A Stranger
How you get on my nerves! Emma hears as shes climbing the stairwell.
She pauses and glances upwardthe shout is coming from the flat on the sixth floor.
Probably just the neighbours having a row, she thinks to herself, shrugs, and continues upwards.
Most blocks of flats have their share of domestic dramasnothing unusual, really. So she doesnt try to catch the words, even as the raised male voice grows that bit louder with every second.
Just as Emma is approaching the last three steps, the door to the neighbouring flat swings open with a bang. Out stomps a man in his thirties, his face tight with anger and annoyance. Unsurprisingly, he doesnt bother to apologise when his shoulder bashes into Emmas as he storms down the stairs.
Utterly unreasonable! she mutters crossly, shooting him a disapproving look as he disappears.
Emma only started renting her flat here a few days ago and, naturally, knows nothing about her neighbours so far.
Well, now shes learned one thing: shed better keep her distance from number 59she has no desire whatsoever to get mixed up with rude, unhinged people.
Reaching the landing at last, Emma begins digging in her bag for her keys.
Suddenly, from the cracked door of the neighbouring flat, comes a suspicious noiseas though somethings fallenand then the softest of sobs.
She glances warily at the door, still feeling through her bags pockets.
But then…
She stops, hand frozen mid-search, and gives up on the keys for the moment.
Why are you getting involved? What business is it of yours whats happening in there, or why someones crying? Emma reasons with herself.
But her feet already seem to have made the decision for her.
She moves tentatively toward the open door, peering through. Sitting on the hallway floor is a womanelderly, perhaps seventywith tears rolling down her cheeks.
But why on earth is she sitting there crying? And why was that young man yelling? Emma wonders.
Excuse me, is everything alright? she asks gently.
The woman looks up in surprise, hastily scrubbing at her eyes with her dressing gown sleeve.
Dont be alarmed. I live in the next flat. I heard you were upset and wondered if you needed any help?
I just… need to get up… the woman whispers softly, If you could lend a hand, Id be grateful.
Emma sets her shopping down, hurries to the womans side, and helps her to her feet.
Thank you, love, the woman says, her eyes brimming again. My legs are dreadfully weak. Honestly, they just give way. Would you like to stop in for a cup of tea?
Emma would rather not.
But she doesnt refuse. After all, she needs to understand what on earth has just happened here.
She also cant just leave this poor lady alone in such a stateshes moving so slowly, carefully gripping the wall. Emma feels she ought to steady her by the elbow, just to be safe.
Only thing is, Ive nothing to go with the tea, the woman apologises helplessly after peering into the fridge and finding it empty.
Thats alright, Emma replies with a kind smile, popping out to fetch her bag.
She returns wielding a box of éclairs shed been planning to have for pudding that evening.
I think these will do nicely for two!
*****
They spend the next four hours at that kitchen table, time vanishing in the blink of an eyeperhaps because Emma finds herself enchanted by her companions stories.
Stories belonging to a desperately lonely soul.
Annette Williams, as shes introduced herself, spent her working life as a school teachera job she adored.
She taught more than just reading and writing; she strove to raise her students with kindness, generosity, a sense of respect, and the eternal human values that matter most. Every year she tried her best to develop not just their minds, but their hearts.
She felt that only lessons planted in the soul were the ones that would last a lifetime.
My only regret Annettes voice trembles, is not raising my only daughter as well as I did my pupils. I tried everything to make her a good and gentle person. For a long while, it seemed to be working, but halfway through A-levels, she fell in with a bad crowd, became cold and hard. Wouldnt listen to a thing I said. Always retorted that it was her life to live as she pleased. If only Id understood where it might lead, Id never have given her such freedom.
Did something awful happen? Emma asks quietly.
Yes She did go to university, but then started drinking and using drugs Got pregnant and dropped out. Never looked for workmost days she said men should provide for her. Two years ago, she ended up in prison.
For what, if you dont mind me asking?
Manslaughter. She used to bring different men homeone time, she had a terrible row with one, andwell, it ended in disaster Annettes voice trails away in sorrow.
I wrote and wrote but shes never once replied. Blames me for never giving her enough attention…
Annette nibbles thoughtfully at another éclair before she continues:
Teaching takes all your energy, but I did my best to give her what she needed. Gave her my flat when she was expecting a baby and said she wanted to start a family. I married young myself, so didnt worry too muchshe could always go back to university. But she never intended to. She never even planned on getting married, as it turned out. Lied to me just so Id move out.
Emma purses her lips and asks, So this flat, the one youre in nowdo you own it? If you dont mind me saying, it must be hard to buy on a teachers wage.
The parents of my pupils bought this for meten years ago now. Id been in a bedsit for over twenty years; I suppose they got together and did it so Id have somewhere to be comfortable in retirement.
Thats incredible! Emma gasps.
Yes, I could hardly believe my ears. So many lovely people. My former pupils still call and visit sometimesthey havent forgotten me.
Emma falls silent for a moment, but curiosity gets the better of her.
That young man storming out earlier was he a former pupil?
Oh noJacob? Thats my grandson. He lives nearby and helps me.
Emma hesitates but says, Forgive me, but I was surprised to hear your grandson yelling at you like that
Annette sighs. Yes, he should know better. But, well, he was mostly brought up by his mother, if you can call it that. He has her temper and her hard ways…
Emma senses its painful ground and doesnt press the point. Still, Annette continues of her own accord.
Since retiring, my health has worsened. My legsoh, they just arent what they were, and all my old aches have come back with a vengeance.
I used to be able to get to the shop or the park, but now its a struggle to get about at all. I barely leave the flat these days, lest I take a tumble and break somethingcant risk it, even with a walking stick.
So I had to ask Jacob to help me. Hes family, after all.
At first, he resisted. But then he relented and came by almost every day, doing all sorts for memaking scrambled eggs, cooking some soup for lunch.
But the last six months, hes changed completely. Even said once Id be better off gonehe simply has no time to look after me.
Annette adds softly that Jacobs had her pension switched onto his cardjust for convenience, supposedly. That money is meant for groceries, prescriptionsbills, too.
But lately, he doesnt bring the bill receipts at all, always claiming hes terribly busy.
Oh, and hes always on about pricestells me bread now costs £5 a loaf!
Come again? Five pounds? Emma nearly chokes on her tea. No, that cant be.
Then Jacobs been lying to me. For what reason?
Evidently, he keeps most of it for himself. Youve been so unlucky with your grandson Is that what the row today was about? Money?
No Annette shakes her head, looking embarrassed. I just asked if hed find my cat.
There was a stray out in the garden when I could still get outdoorsa beautiful little cat, I cant recall her markings now, but she had the most extraordinary green eyes. Like emeralds. I fed her for months. Almost brought her in, but then I ended up in hospital and, well, after that my legs havent allowed
Last week, I dreamed about her. Since then, it eats away at medoes she miss me, too? I would give anything to cuddle her again and look into those emerald eyesperhaps for the final time.
Emma struggles not to cry herself. Annettes longing for her missed-out cat touches her deeply.
From then on, Emma makes a habit of visiting her neighbourshes become fond of the former teacher and wants to help this dream come true. Try as she might, though, she hasnt seen any cat with green eyes in the communal garden for some time.
Perhaps someone else has taken her in by now she muses sadly.
One day, Emma stops by with éclairs and tea as usual, but this time is met by a distinct whiff of alcoholJacob has come in.
Whats thiswhos this stranger? he barks, glancing from his grandmother to Emma. And you are?
Emmas not a stranger, Annette quickly explains. She lives next door.
Oh, brilliant! Jacob grins. I need to be away for a couple of months on business. Now I know theres someone to keep an eye on you.
And my pension, Jacob?
What about it?
Youll leave me the card? Emma can do the shopping and get medicine for me, pay the bills?
Sorry, Granlost it, didnt I. Had to get it blocked. My new one wont arrive for weeks, maybe a month or more. Ill be gone by then.
You’ll just have to get by with what you have. Or borrow from the neighbours. Ill pay it all back when I return. Or, maybe, Ill send you some cashpostie delivers right to your door these days.
Well, thats better than nothing, Annette says, evidently relieved.
Jacob gives Emma a sharp look. If anything happens to my gran, ring memy numbers saved in her phone. And dont try anything funny while Im gone, mind.
With that, he vanishes.
Emma looks sympathetically at Annetteshe doesnt believe for a moment the card is lost. Clearly, Jacob just wants to keep the money for himself.
Shed already twigged he was dishonest, but abandoning your own grandmother? Thats outrageous.
***
From that day, Emma comes to Annettes flat every daybringing medication, groceries, helping round the house, making her lunch and supper.
Two months pass in a blur, but Jacob never returns, nor does he send money as promised.
Annette phones her grandson several times; he doesnt answer or cuts her off. The only time he picks up is when Emma tries from her own phone.
Whos this? he demands.
Emma. I live next door to Annette. You said youd send money for her shopping and medicineshes not had anything yet. And you said two months; youve been away three now…
Look, Emma, is it? Whats it to you? If you want to help Gran, go ahead, but Ive nothing to spare for you lot. Dont call me again.
Perhaps not everyone would dip into their own savings to help a stranger.
But Emma cant abandon Annette now.
Shed become truly attached to her after a recent, touching incident. Two weeks prior, Emma had caught a dreadful cold and stayed indoors for days. She telephoned to let Annette know, and on her third day, there came a faint knock at her door.
Annette was there, trembling, holding out a jar of homemade chicken soup.
Emma dear, Ive made you a little brothplease, have some.
Oh, Annette, you shouldnt have! What if you catch what Ive got
Dont worry about me, love. I wont be around much longer anyway. You must eat, get your strength back. Sorry its in a jar, Id have spilled it otherwise
Emma is shockedshe knows quite well the effort it will have taken Annette even to make the soup, let alone shuffle it across the corridor to bring it over. For a healthier person, it’s nothing, but for Annettestruggling for every stepits heroic.
How could she ever leave her on her own now?
Emma knew she would remember that kindness for the rest of her life.
And she never imagined two complete strangers could become so close.
While those who are supposed to be closest, sometimes behave as strangers…
Emmas salary isnt high, but she manages her budget so theres enough for Annettes essentials as well as her own. Its only temporary, after allJacob will be back soon, and then things will go back to how they were. At least, thats the hope.
She doesnt want to make trouble about the pension; everything is complicated enough. She helps because she wants to, and demands nothing in return.
Emma takes over paying the bills toounpaid notices abound in the post. Turns out, Jacob had fallen behind long before his supposed work trip.
Its tough at times.
But Emma soldiers on.
Well be alright, she tells herself. Money isnt the main thing in life. What matters is that Annette feels valued, feels happy and lives for as long as possible.
When her workplace pays her a bonus, Emma spends it not on the phone shes been longing for, but on a wheelchair for Annette.
Why are you spending so much on a stranger? her colleagues ask.
To stop someone being trapped in four walls, watching the world from a sixth-floor window. People should live, not just exist, Emma says simply.
***
It takes a while to convince Annette to try going outsideshe’s been so frightened after being stuck at home for so long. But eventually, she concedes, and out they go.
They walk together in the park each day come evening. The weather is beautiful. Once again, tears glisten in Annettes eyes.
Then, one evening, out of nowhere, a green-eyed cat appears in the park, not far from where they sit. Can it really be her? Emma wonders.
Shes about to ask Annette, but the cat leaps straight into her lap, purring loudly.
My goodness, youre alive! Annette chokes up, I never thought Id see you again. Oh, how Ive missed you.
At last, Annettes wish has come true, Emma thinks happily, wiping her own tears away.
Annette brings the cat home and calls her Daisy. That very day, Emma buys everything Daisy could need, not fussed about the cost.
Money can be made againbut moments like this are the most precious thing in life.
One day my wish will come true, too, Emma muses, watching Annette cuddling the cat who had missed her so much shed appeared in a dream.
***
Some time passes. Emma, as usual, calls in after work to see Annette, but crossing the threshold, she nearly bumps into a man she doesnt know.
Hes instantly likeable: handsome, upright, warm eyes, a genuine smile.
You must be Emma? he says. Come on in, Annette is waiting.
He makes his excuses and leaves hurriedly.
Emma finds Annette in the kitchen, wheelchair parked in front of the window, Daisy asleep in her lap. In recent days Annette cant walk at allwithout the chair, shed be confined to bed.
Who was that, if you dont mind me asking?
Hello, dear Emma, Annette smiles. That was Anthony, one of my old pupils. I rang him because, well, I can feel my time is nearly done.
Now, now, Emma scolds. Lets not talk ourselves into the grave ahead of time.
Annette just smiles that special, secret sort of smile.
Promise me youll look after Daisy. I dont want her left to fend for herself again.
You have my word. And you must promise not to go anywhere for a long time yet!
Annette doesnt reply, only smiles.
Emma notices how content she seemspeople must smile like that only when they are truly happy.
The next day, Annette is gone.
Emma finds Daisy waiting by the flat door and understands at once. She sits in the very spot where she first met Annette, clutching Daisy, and weeps.
Anthony organises the funeral, and all Annettes former students come to pay their respectsa great many, but Emma never sees Jacob, not even after many calls and texts.
Afterward, Anthony asks her to come with him.
To where? Emma asks in surprise, letting him take her hand.
Youll see when we get there, he replies with a quiet smile.
When they arrive at a solicitors office, Emma starts to understanda folder of papers is waiting.
Youve probably worked it out by now, Anthony says softly. Annette asked me for help to prepare her will.
And according to that will, her flat is yours, Emma.
So thats why she wanted my full name and date of birth… I told her straight away I needed nothing from her, that I was helping out of kindness.
And Annette gifted you her home for the same reason. So you and Daisy have a place to be.
What about Jacob, though? He wont be happy about this.
Inheritance cant be finalised until six months have passed, but my advicechange the locks at once, so Jacob cant barge in.
Can I do that?
Of course. Theres nothing he can claim from you.
***
Emma is deeply grateful for Annettes gift, but misses her dearly. Daisy helps, and so does Anthony, who begins to call on her, checking in often.
Today, hes rung to suggest a walk, and Emma gladly agrees.
Shed been longing, after all, to meet someone kind, caringto start a family.
Perhaps, at last, her own dream is about to be realised…
Daisy, Im off out, but Ill be back soondont worry! Emma lifts Daisy up and holds her tight.
Miaow, Daisy replies.
If you could translate her miaow into people-speak, it would say: Go on then, my deargo out and enjoy yourself. Ill keep your spot on the bed warm till youre home!As Emma steps outside, the door closing softly behind her, a gentle breeze carries the scent of cut grass from the park. For the first time in years, she doesnt feel like an outsider peering through other peoples windowsshe has roots here now, woven from kindness, courage, and a love that costs nothing yet means everything.
Downstairs, Anthony is waiting, holding two takeaway coffees and grinning as he spots her.
Ready? he asks, passing her one.
Ready for anything, she replies, surprising herself at the surge of hope she feels.
They walk through the late afternoon sunlight, casting long shadows across the street. Emma squeezes Anthonys hand, heart light. In the window above, Daisys green eyes are visible for a moment, watching them go, tail curled in contentment.
At the park, children are playing, their laughter drifting in the golden air. Anthony sits with her on the sun-warmed bench, and together, they watch the world turningeach stranger passing with unknown burdens, secret joys.
Emma thinks of Annette, of small kindnesses and chances taken, and realises she is never really alone. When you dare to reach out, even to a stranger, the world opens its doors.
Suddenly, Emma understands what Annette meant about lessons planted in the soul lasting a lifetime. And as she leans her head against Anthonys shoulder, smiling up at a sky washed clean by the day
She knows the story isnt ending at all.
Its only just begun.
