Im a mess, spilling my whole story here after all, I live on the street. At fifty, Natalie Harper has finally achieved everything she ever wanted. Shes the managing director of a large firm, has raised a daughter and seen her married off, owns a sleek flat in Kensington, drives a black Audi, and has a good husband who, because of his job, is often away on longterm assignments. Unfortunately, she sees her daughter only rarely now; the girl lives far away. It seems shes got it all, yet there are moments when loneliness and sadness creep in.
Natalie has one small weakness. Near her office theres a tiny café that serves the most delicious doughnuts and a proper cup of tea. When she needs a break from her thoughts, she slips into that café.
For several days she watches a little girl, about six or seven, with a pair of quirky braids, lingering around the café. Sometimes the girl wipes car headlights for a few coins, sometimes she simply begs. Strangely, she never eats what she receives; she stuffs the money into a paper bag and hurries off.
Natalie watches the girl for a week, then decides to follow her. The child wanders to a charred house and steps into the sootcovered hallway that survived a fire. Natalie follows. Inside, on a thin mattress, lies a young woman breathing heavily. The girl crouches down and says, Mum, open your eyes, Ive brought you something to eat. The woman coughs and croaks. Natalie moves behind the girl and asks, Do you live here?
The girl looks up, startled. Who are you? she asks.
Im Natalie Harper, you can call me Aunt Nat, the woman replies. Whats your name? And your mothers?
Im Emily, and my mum is Sarah. Shes very sick and I bring her food, but she hasnt eaten anything for two days. Natalie leans in, feels the womans forehead, and instantly understands. She pulls out her phone and calls an ambulance.
Nat, theyre taking me away from my mum. I dont want to go to a childrens home, Emily sobs.
Who told you that? While your mum recovers, you can stay with me, Natalie comforts her. No one will scold you for being messy.
The ambulance arrives, Sarah is rushed to the hospital, and Natalie and Emily head back to the café. After stuffing themselves with doughnuts, they hop into Natalies car. Emily settles in the back seat and, before Natalie can even pull onto the road, the little girl drifts off to sleep.
Thinking quickly, Natalie drives to the nearby shopping centre while Emily naps. She darts through the stores, buying groceries, a few outfits for the child, and returns to the car. Emily still sleeps soundly. As they near Natalies flat, Emily wakes.
Finally, were home, Natalie says. Lets get you inside.
Emily lingers at the doorway, eyes downcast. Im dirty, Ill make a mess, she whispers.
Dont worry about that, Natalie replies, pulling off Emilys shoes. Come with me.
In the bathroom, Natalie fills the tub, adds bubbles, and helps Emily slip in. The little girl giggles, splashing happily among the suds. Natalie wraps her in a large, fluffy towel and carries her to the bedroom. Emily looks just like Natalies own daughter did when she was a childlight as a feather.
After a quick dry, they move on to trying on the new clothes. Emily twirls before a fulllength mirror, beaming. Aunt Nat, do I look pretty? she asks.
Absolutelyyoure the most beautiful, Natalie replies. Pick what you like, then well prepare dinner together.
They eat, clean up, and Emily does her best to help. The next morning, they visit Sarahs hospital room. By then her face shows a glimmer of life.
Leaving Emily with her mother, Natalie asks the doctor, Whats her condition?
Thank heavens theres no infection, just a severe cold, bronchitis, and extreme weakness. Shell need at least two weeks with us.
Back in the ward, Natalie and Emily quietly slip out, decide to buy supplies for Sarah, and wander through the shop with eyes wide open. Emily admires the window displays but asks for nothing. When she spots a plush bear, she gently pats it, sighs, and moves on. Natalie buys the bear, hands it to Emily, and says, Is this for you?
Emilys face lights up. Thank you! Its perfect, my best gift.
That night Emily falls asleep clutching the bear, rubbing its head in her dreams.
A few days later they return to the hospital with a basket of treats. Natalie sits with Sarah, who finally opens up about her past.
Ive never had anyone, Sarah says slowly. After the orphanage, I got a tiny flat. I went to college, fell, injured myself, and a handsome chap helped me up. I fell in love at first sight. He promised to take me in when I found out I was pregnant, but he never married me. When Emily was born, I worked as a cleaner and dishwasher. He kept bringing friends over, never introduced us to his family. When Emily turned three, I tried to find a job, but he stopped me. He shouted that the house must stay perfect. Then a fire burned my flat, I lost everything. His parents showed up and threw us out, saying we had no rights. I ended up on that ruined doorstep, trying to shield Emily from the rain, soaked and freezing. Each day got worse, I feared for her. Then I heard your voice, felt your kindness, and it seemed like a lifeline.
Natalie squeezes Sarahs hand. Dont worry about Emily; while youre in the hospital shell stay with me. Well sort out a place for you both.
Leaving the ward, Natalie drives to the countryside where her dear friend, Margaret Hughesher late mothers closest confidantelives. On the way she stops for some biscuits. At Margarets gate, the elderly woman welcomes her with a warm smile.
Natty, my dear, come in, have a cup of tea, and tell me whats happened, she says, eyes softening.
They sit at the kitchen table, and Natalie pours out the whole story. Margaret gasps, Oh, bless those poor souls. What will you do?
I was hoping you might have a spare room for Sarah and Emily. I can pay the rent each month, Natalie asks.
Margaret laughs, Pay? My dear, you know I have no one else. My son died years ago. If you both stay, my house will finally feel alive again.
They agree. Two weeks later, Natalie takes Sarah from the hospital and brings her and Emily to Margarets cottage. Margaret has already baked a pie, laid out gifts in a box, and set a cozy bedroom for them. Sarah opens the box, sees the presents, and breaks down in tears.
Why me? What did I do to deserve this? she cries.
I didnt ask for anything, she whispers. God sent me you and Margaret. How can I repay you? I have nothing.
Just live here with us, Margaret replies gently. Youll be my granddaughter, Emily my greatgranddaughter. Well look after each other.
Time passes, and Margaret becomes a mother figure to both girls. Sarah, feeling better, finds work, and Emily helps around the house, learning to bake pies. One day Natalie arrives with another womanan old friendwhile Sarah notices papers being shuffled on the table. She retreats to her room, and Margaret calls her.
Sweetheart, come sit. We need to talk, Margaret says.
Sarah joins them. Im alone, with no one but you two. God sent me you both, and I want to make sure youre taken care of when Im gone. Ive written a will so you wont be left without a home.
Im not ready to die, Sarah protests, tears in her eyes. What about us?
Margaret smiles, I still have a few years, but I want everything settled, so youll never be without a roof over your heads. Youll have a place of your own.
They all embrace, feeling the warmth of chosen family.
Life for the orphan and her daughter, once tangled in fire and hopelessness, has found steadiness in love, kindness, and community. In the end, they learn that true wealth isnt measured in titles, flats, or cars, but in the caring hearts that open their doors and share their tables.
