Im a mess, I scream, I fling everything Ive been living on the streets.
At fifty, Natalie Spencer has finally gathered everything she ever wanted. She runs a thriving construction firm, has a sleek flat in Chelsea, a polished Audi, and a solid husband whos constantly on business trips. Her only child, Emily, lives miles away, so the family feels the strain of distance. On paper, Natalies life is perfect, yet the quiet moments are hollow and lonely.
Natalies single weakness is a tiny bakery on the corner of Oxford Street that serves the most heavenly scones and a proper cup of tea. When the world feels too heavy, she slips into that shop for a brief escape.
For a week she watches a little girlabout six or seven, with cheeky pigtailsskipping around the bakery. The child either polishes car headlights for spare change or simply begs. Strangely, she never eats the scraps she gathers; instead she stuffs them into a paper bag and disappears.
Curiosity gnaws at Natalie, and she follows the girl. The child wanders to a charred, abandoned house on the edge of Camden and pushes through the burnt doorway. Inside, on a threadbare mattress, lies a young woman, breathing shallowly. Emily crouches down, eyes wide.
Mum, open your eyesI’ve brought you something to eat, she whispers.
The woman coughs, her voice hoarse. Natalie steps behind Emily, her heart pounding.
Do you live here? she asks.
Who are you? Emily replies, clutching her bag tighter.
Im Natalie Spencer, but you can call me Aunt Nat. Whats your name? And your mothers?
Im Emily, and my mums Helen. Shes terribly ill, and Ive been bringing her food. She hasnt eaten anything for two days.
Natalie feels the heat of the womans forehead, the tremor in her breath, and she knows what must be done. She pulls out her phone, dials emergency services.
Dont worry, love, she says to Emily, theyll take her to the hospital. I promise you wont end up in a care home.
Soon an ambulance roars away, taking Helen to St. Thomas. Natalie and Emily linger in the wreckage, the scent of burnt plaster mixing with the scent of fresh scones.
They head back to the bakery, devour a stack of fresh scones, then climb into Natalies Audi. Emily settles onto the back seat, her eyes already drooping. Before they can pull onto the A40, Natalie notices Emily asleep, curled like a small, exhausted animal.
With a sigh, Natalie drives to Westfield Stratford City. While Emily dreams, she darts through the shops, buying a warm jacket, a pair of sturdy boots, some fresh fruit, and a few toys. She returns to the car, gently shakes Emily awake.
Were almost home, she says.
Emily blinks, rubs her eyes, and steps out of the car as they pull into a modest terraced house in Hackney.
Why dont you come inside? Natalie asks.
Emily hesitates. Im dirty, Ill make a mess.
Natalie smiles, kneeling to take off Emilys scuffed shoes. Well sort that out. Come with me.
Inside, Natalie fills a large bathtub with warm water, frothing it with lavender bubbles. She eases Emily in, and the little girl giggles, splashing and chasing bubbles with delighted shrieks. A plush, thick towel waits nearby.
When the bath ends, Natalie lifts Emily from the water, wraps her in the towel, and carries her to a spare bedroom. The boyish grin on Emilys face mirrors Natalies own childhood. After a quick dry, they move to the small wardrobe where Emily tries on fresh clothes, twirling before a full-length mirror.
Do I look pretty, Aunt Nat? she coos.
Absolutely stunning, my dear. Pick what you like, then well cook dinner together.
The evening passes with simple comfort: they share a modest stew, Natalie chopping carrots, Emily setting the table, both laughing at the clatter of cutlery.
The next morning they return to St. Thomas to see Helen. The nurse opens the door to a brighter, more rested Helen. She smiles weakly at Emily, who clutches her mothers hand.
Natalie approaches the doctor. Whats the diagnosis?
Thank heavens, no infectionjust a severe chest cold, bronchitis, and extreme fatigue. Shell need at least two weeks of care here.
Later, with Helen asleep, Natalie slips out of the ward with Emily, hurrying to the hospital shop. Emilys eyes widen at the rows of candy jars and plush bears. She drifts past a soft teddy bear, strokes its fur, then sighs.
Is that for me? Natalie asks, buying the bear.
Emily nods, hugging it tightly. Its the best gift.
That night Emily falls asleep in her hospital cot, the bear pressed against her cheek, whispering comfort in her dreams.
A few days later theyre back at the ward. Natalie sits with Helen, who finally gathers the strength to speak.
Tell me, Helen, how did you end up here with your child? Natalie asks gently.
Helens voice trembles. Im an orphan. After my parents died, a tiny flat was all I could afford. I went to college, fell in love with a charming bloke, and got pregnant. He promised to support us, but when Emily was born, he vanished, leaving me as a cleaner and dishwasher, his friends always around, never introducing us to his family. When the fire burned my flat to ash, I lost everythingmy money, my home. His parents drove us out, saying we had no rights. We fled to that burnt house, trying to shield Emily from the rain, both of us soaked and shivering. Each day grew worse, and I feared for my child. Then, like a distant echo, I heard your voice, warm and familiar, and it gave me strength.
Natalie reaches out, squeezing Helens hand. Well sort your housing, love. Emily will stay with me while you recover.
With Helens condition stabilising, Natalie drives back to her flat, where Gran Kateher mothers dearest friendwaits on the porch. Gran Kate, formerly Kate Wilkinson, lives in a cosy bungalow in Richmond, a haven for the two of them.
Bless my soul, my sweet girls back, Gran Kate exclaims, ushering them in for tea. Tell me everything.
Natalie recounts the ordeal.
Oh dear, those poor things, Gran Kate sighs, pulling out a spare room. You can rent it, love. Ill charge you a modest £200 a month. Ive got no one else; my son passed years ago. Itll be a joy to have you both.
Two weeks later, Natalie brings Helen and Emily to Gran Kates home. The kitchen smells of fresh apple crumble, the living room filled with soft cushions and a crackling fire. Gran Kate presents boxes of presentssoft blankets, a new dress for Emily, and a plush rabbit for Helen. Helen opens the gifts, tears streaming down her cheeks.
Why am I so grateful? she whispers. I thought Id lost everything, then you two appeared.
Just stay with us, love, Gran Kate croons. Youll be my granddaughter, Emily my greatgranddaughter. Well look after each other.
Time passes. Helen regains strength, Emily thrives under Natalies guidance, learning to bake pies with Gran Kate. One afternoon, a strangeran elegant woman named Margaretarrives, papers clutched in her hands. Helen, sensing a familiar tension, retreats to her bedroom.
Emily, dear, come over, Margaret calls, we need to talk.
Emily joins them at the kitchen table.
Emily, Im alone now. God sent me you and your mother, Margaret explains, voice shaking. I wrote a will leaving my house to you, so you wont be left without a roof when Im gone.
Gran, youre scared, Emily whispers, eyes wide.
Gran Kate nods, wiping a tear. Ill be here a while longer, but I want you both safe.
The story folds into a quiet promise: a stray mother, her brave little girl, a steadfast aunt, and a kind-hearted gran, all stitched together by fate and the stubborn will to survive.
