Im spilling everything onto these pages because, honestly, Im the one whos been wandering these streets for half a century. My name is Gracie, and Ive lived right here on the same road my whole life.
When I turned fifty, I finally had what I thought Id always wanted. I became the managing director of a sizable firm, raised a daughter, and saw her married off. I own a sleek flat in a posh part of town, a decent car, and a good husband whose job keeps him away on long business trips. Unfortunately, my daughter now lives far away, and we only catch up rarely. By all accounts Id achieved my goals, yet there are moments when loneliness drapes over me like a cold blanket.
I have a tiny, almost guilty pleasure. Not far from my office theres a little café that serves the most perfect doughnuts and a proper cup of coffee. Whenever my thoughts start to spiral, I slip into that café for a brief respite.
For several days I watched a tiny girl, about six or seven, with mischievous pigtails, lingering around the café. Sometimes shed wipe a cars windshield for a few coins, other times shed simply beg. The odd thing was that she never ate what she collected; she folded the coins into a small packet and disappeared with it.
I kept my eye on her for a week, then decided to follow. She drifted toward a charred house, slipped into the smoky remains of a room, and I followed. Inside, on a thin mattress, lay a young woman struggling to breathe. The little girl crouched beside her and whispered, Mum, open your eyes, Ive brought you something to eat.
The woman coughed, her voice hoarse. I moved behind the girl and asked, What are you doing here?
Who are you? the girl asked, startled.
Im Natalie Smithyou can call me Aunt Nat. And what are your names?
Im Ellie, and my mum, Clara, is very sick. I bring her food, but she hasnt eaten anything for two days.
I reached out, felt the womans forehead, and understood everything at once. I pulled out my phone and called an ambulance.
Oh Aunt Nat, theyre going to take me away from Mum. I dont want to end up in a childrens home, Ellie sobbed.
You wont go to a home. While your mum recovers, you can stay with me, I promised. No one will scold you for being dirty.
The ambulance arrived, took Clara to the hospital, and Ellie and I drifted back to the café. After wed devoured a couple of doughnuts, we climbed into my car. Ellie settled onto the back seat and, before wed even pulled onto the road, fell asleep.
I drove to the local shopping centre while she slept, darting through stores to buy food, a warm coat, and a few toys for her. By the time we got home, Ellie woke up, stretched, and said, Were finally here, Aunt Nat.
She lingered at the doorway, hesitant. Im dirty, Ill make a mess.
Dont worry about that, I replied, ushering her in. Take off your shoes and follow me.
I filled the large bathtub with warm water, added bubbles, and helped Ellie step in. She squealed with delight, splashing and chasing the frothy globules. I handed her a big, fluffy towel, wrapped her up, and carried her to the bedroom. She reminded me so much of my own little self, light and full of curiosity.
After the bath we tried on the new clothes, one after another, Ellie darting to the mirror each time. Aunt Nat, do I look pretty? she asked.
The most beautiful, I told her. Pick what you want to wear and then well make dinner together.
We ate a simple meal, tidied up, and Ellie helped as best she could. The next day we returned to the hospital to check on Clara. She looked much better, a faint spark of life returning to her face.
I spoke with the doctor. Whats the diagnosis? I asked.
Thankfully theres no infectionjust a severe cold, bronchitis, and serious weight loss. Shell need at least two weeks of care.
When Clara fell asleep, Ellie and I slipped quietly out of the ward. We decided to buy some supplies for the hospital. Ellie wandered the aisles with wide eyes, admiring the displays but never asking for anything. She gently stroked a plush bear, sighed, and moved on. I picked the bear up, paid for it, and handed it to her. Is this for you? I asked.
Its perfect, she whispered, hugging it tight. That night she fell asleep with the bear, running her fingers over its head in her dreams.
We visited the hospital again the following day, bringing fresh flowers. Clara seemed brighter, and I asked her, How did you and Ellie end up here?
She paused, then began her story. I have no family. I was an orphan, given a tiny flat after I left the orphanage. I went to college, tripped on the way home, and a handsome lad helped me up. I fell for him instantly. He courted me, and then told me I was pregnant. He agreed to let us stay in his flat, but never married me. When Ellie was born, he refused to put his name on anything. I worked as a cleaner and dishwasher, his friends always around, never meeting my parents. When Ellie turned three, I tried to find work, but he stopped me, shouting that the house must stay perfect. Then a fire destroyed our flat, we lost everything. His parents showed up, kicked us out, saying we had no rights. With nothing left, we returned to that burntout house. I tried to shield Ellie from the rain, but we got soaked and cold. My health worsened, and I feared for her. Then I heard your voice, Aunt Nat, warm and familiar, and everything after that is a blur.
I held Ellies hand and said, Dont worry, love. While Claras in the hospital, shell stay with me. Well sort out the housing later.
Leaving the ward, I drove to the outskirts of town where my dear friend Gran Kath lived. Shes the closest confidante of my late mother. On the way I stopped for a few treats, then pulled up to her gate. Gran Kath greeted me at the door, her eyes bright with concern.
Bless my soul, Natalie! Come in, have a cuppa. Tell me whats happened. She led me inside, and over tea we recounted everything.
Oh dear, those poor souls, she sighed. What do you need?
Gran, could you rent a room to them? Ill pay every month, I asked.
She chuckled, Pay? Youve always been generous. Im on my own now, my son passed years ago. Id love to have them here.
We agreed, and two weeks later I brought Clara and Ellie to Gran Kaths cosy cottage. Shed baked a fresh apple crumble, and the house was filled with the scent of rosemary and pine. In a small upstairs room she laid out parcels of gifts for both Clara and Ellie. Clara opened hers, broke into tears on the edge of the bed.
My darling, why is this happening to us? she whispered.
Lord, Ive nothing left, she sobbed. Only you two have shown me kindness.
I brushed her cheek, Just stay with us, be my granddaughter. Ellie will be my greatgranddaughter. Well manage together.
Time passed. Gran Kath grew attached to her two little wards. Clara and Ellie found a sense of belonging. I visited often, helping with chores and cooking. Whenever Gran Kath coughed, Clara tended to her, moving around the kitchen like a caretaker.
One afternoon, a new woman arrived with me. Clara, seeing us at the table with papers, slipped into her room.
Ellie, love, come join us. We need to talk, the newcomer said.
She sat down, clasped her hands, and spoke softly. Im alone, Ellie. God sent you both to me in my old age. Ive written a will so that when Im gone you wont be left without a home. I want you to have a place of your own.
Ellies eyes widened. Gran, youre not well, are you?
Ill have a few more years, the woman replied, but I want everything settled, so you wont have to worry.
We all embraced, tears mixing with smiles. Life moved forward, stitched together by gratitude and a shared resolve to look after one another.
And so the story of an orphaned mother and her daughter unfolds, now woven into a new family that will endure as long as the Good Lord wills.
