Mum is there truly nothing left to eat today? Andrew asked in a hushed voice, his words trembling like a leaf on a bare oak. His wide eyes searched Annas face for an answer, and the look she returned cut deeper than any hunger.
No, Andrew theres nothing, she whispered, pulling him close as if her arms could shield him from the whole world. But perhaps well find something along the way.
Tears welled in the boys eyes. In that instant Anna felt the chill of the house and the chill of the world press against her heart. Each day had become a battle for survival, every step a struggle not to tumble over.
Outside, the world was grey and worn. The old terraced houses bore peeling paint, broken fences, grimy windows all looking as tired as the people who lived in them. By a rusted lamppost stood George, an old friend, his gaze empty.
Anna, how much longer can you endure this want? he asked, his tone sour.
Until Andrew needs me, she replied calmly, though pain rang in her voice. If I give up, he will have no future.
The lane to the market was rough; neighbours cast sideways glances, children wailed with hunger, stray dogs rummaged through refuse. On a corner a little girl in tattered clothes huddled, frightened and shivering. Anna stopped, handed her a handful of parsley and a boiled egg. The child sobbed silently, and Anna felt the strangers anguish become her own.
Thank you I dont know how to repay you, the girl whispered.
No need. Just look after yourself, Anna said, wiping away a tear.
At the market, shoppers hurried, buying only the essentials. A cold wind sliced through thin sweaters, numbing fingers. Suddenly Anna saw a crumpled sheet on the ground beneath commuters feet a notice of eviction. Her heart clenched. If the £20 due in two days wasnt paid, they would be out on the street.
No we cant lose everything, she murmured, clutching the paper as if it were a final hope.
On the way back, a neighbour stopped her.
Anna, you cant keep living here without paying. I cant keep covering you forever, he said coldly.
I know Im looking for work, trying to earn, she replied.
Make it quick. Youll have to be out by tomorrow.
That night the cold seeped even through the thin blanket. Anna hugged her son, trying to warm him, but her own body shivered. Andrew fell asleep with tears on his cheeks, while she sat in the darkness, unable to find sleep for fear.
The next day desperation became unbearable. The landlord threatened to return at dawn, and there was not a penny left. She sold what little she could, but the proceeds barely bought a loaf of bread.
Anna, what now? George asked, having come to help. We have no way out
Well ask for assistance if only they wont turn us away, she whispered, lowering her eyes.
That night Anna fell asleep hungry, frozen, exhausted. In her dream she saw a house without walls and a child reaching for her, his hands just out of reach.
She did not give up. At first light she set out to find any work sweeping yards, selling vegetables, cleaning neighbours cottages. Days melted into fatigue, but every copper she slipped into a jar with coffee grounds was a tiny lantern of hope.
Andrew grew beside her, watching. At school he was teased for his tattered clothes and battered notebooks. Yet Anna taught him to look higher:
Andrew, dont listen to them. A persons worth isnt in what they have, but in what they give.
Years passed. Andrew studied hard, seized every chance. From meagre wages he paid for extra lessons, learned English, mathematics, read late into the night. Anna kept him afloat, even when her own legs gave out from exhaustion.
When he first won a regional science olympiad, Anna wept with joy. It was the first ray of light in a long, dark tunnel. Yet the struggle continued. University demanded fees, the road to it demanded strength. Andrew took odd jobs to pay for books, travel, everything he needed.
It was hard: stern lecturers, indifferent townsfolk, sleepless nights. Still he never surrendered. Each fall taught him not to fear getting up again. Meanwhile Anna kept sending parcels, letters, small sums living for his future.
Many years later Andrew graduated with honours and earned a scholarship abroad. Letting him go hurt her, but her heart whispered, Now he can soar.
He returned a changed man confident, strong, successful. He founded a company, helped others, but never forgot where he started.
One afternoon he clasped his mothers hands.
Mum everything I have is because of you.
Annas eyes filled with tears.
I only did what a mother must, she replied softly.
He placed in her palm a set of brass keys to a new home warm, bright, free of fear and frost.
Here, Mum, youll never be cold again. This is your house.
Anna sank onto a soft sofa, surveyed the room, and felt peace settle over her. After so many years of struggle, life finally returned its warmth. In her sons eyes she saw the highest reward gratitude.
I love you, Mum, Andrew said.
And I love you, my son, she smiled. Im prouder of you than anything in the world.
From the ashes of their hardship, hope grew. A mothers love had not merely saved a child; it had forged a man. Even in the darkest days it proved that true light lives inside those who never give up.
