Without shelter or hope, Nina was desperate for a place to stay. She literally had nowhere to go. I could spend a few nights at the train station. And then what? Suddenly, a lifeline appeared: The country house! How could I have forgotten it? Though calling it a country house is an exaggeration; its more a ruined shack. Still, its better than sleeping on the platform, Nina thought.
She boarded the suburban train, pressed her head against the cold window and closed her eyes. A flood of painful memories from recent events washed over her. Two years earlier she had lost both parents, left alone and without any support. Unable to afford tuition, she quit university and took a job at the market.
After everything she had endured, fortune finally smiled. She met Tomás, a kind and decent man, and within two months they married in a simple ceremony. Life seemed to be falling into placeuntil another test arrived. Tomás suggested they sell the parents downtown apartment to start their own business.
He painted the future so beautifully that Nina had no doubts; she trusted her husband was doing the right thing and believed the financial strain would soon vanish. When were stable, we can think about a baby. I cant wait to be a mother! the naive young woman dreamed.
But Tomáss venture failed. Constant arguments about wasted money quickly eroded their relationship. Soon Tomás brought another woman home and shut the door on Nina.
At first Nina considered going to the police, but she realized she couldnt accuse her husbandafter all, she had sold the apartment and handed the money to him.
***
Leaving the station, Nina walked alone along the empty platform. Early spring had not yet turned the countryside green. In three years the land had become overgrown and dilapidated. It doesnt matter; Ill fix it all and it will be like before, she thought, even though she knew nothing would ever be the same.
She easily found the key under the porch, but the wooden door was warped and wouldnt open. She struggled hard, but the task proved impossible. Realizing she couldnt do it alone, she sat on the porch steps and began to cry.
Suddenly she saw smoke and heard a noise from the neighboring yard. Relieved to see someone nearby, Nina ran toward it.
Mrs. Rute! Are you home? she called.
She stopped, startled and frightened, when an elderly, unkempt man appeared in the yard, stoking a small fire and heating water in a filthy mug.
Who are you? Wheres Mrs. Rute? Nina asked, stepping back.
Dont be afraid of me, and please dont call the police. Im not doing anything wrong. Im not invading a house; I live out here in the yard he replied politely, his voice cultured and refined.
Are you homeless? Nina asked bluntly.
Yes. Youre right, he answered, looking down. Do you live next door? I wont bother you.
Whats your name?
Miguel.
And your surname?
Fernandes, he said, surprised at the question.
Nina examined Miguel Fernandes closely. Though his clothes were worn, they were reasonably clean, and the old man seemed wellkept.
I dont know whom to ask for help she sighed.
What happened? he asked sympathetically.
The door is jammed. I cant get it open.
If you dont mind, Ill take a look, the homeless man offered.
Id be grateful! she said, desperate.
While Miguel worked on the door, Nina sat on a bench, reflecting on the stranger: Who am I to look down on or judge him? After all, Im also without a roof; were in the same boat
Little one, lets see what we can do! Miguel smiled and pushed the door. Wait, are you planning to stay the night?
Where else would I go? she replied, surprised.
Is there heating in the house?
There must be a stove Nina hesitated, unsure how to handle it.
Got it. And firewood?
I dont know, she admitted, feeling discouraged.
Alright. Go inside; Ill be right back with something, he said resolutely, leaving the yard.
Nina spent about an hour cleaning. The house was cold, damp, and uncomfortable, and she felt lost about how to survive there. Soon after, Miguel returned with firewood. Surprisingly, Nina felt a surge of relief to have someone around.
He cleaned the stove a bit and lit it. Within an hour the interior warmed up.
All set! Keep adding wood gradually, and remember to extinguish it at night. Dont worrythe heat will last until morning, he explained.
And where are you going? To the neighbors? Nina asked.
Yes. Dont think Im a bad person; Ill stay in their yard for a while. I dont want to go back to the city I dont want to dig into my past, he replied.
Miguel Fernandes, wait. Lets have dinner and a hot tea first, then you can go, Nina said firmly.
He didnt protest. He removed his coat silently and sat beside the stove.
Im sorry to intrude, Nina began. You dont look like a typical homeless person. Why are you on the street? Where is your home, your family?
Miguel opened up about a lifetime spent teaching at a university, dedicating himself to young minds and science. Old age arrived unannounced, and when he realized he was utterly alone in his final years, it was too late to change anything.
A year earlier his niece started visiting. She suggested she would inherit his apartment if he handed it over to her. He gladly agreed. Tatiana earned his trust, proposed selling the cramped city flat to buy a spacious house in the suburbs with a large garden and a cozy patio. She claimed to have already found a good deal.
All his life he had dreamed of fresh air and tranquility. He agreed without hesitation. After the sale, Tatiana suggested opening a bank account so he wouldnt have to carry large sums of cash.
Uncle Miguel, sit on the bench while I sort everything out. Let me take the packagejust in case someone is following us, she said at the banks entrance.
She disappeared with the package inside, and Miguel waited. Minutes turned into hours. The niece never returned. When he entered the bank, it was empty, with another exit at the back.
Miguel could not believe he had been cruelly deceived by his own family. He stayed seated, waiting for Tatiana. The next day he went to her house. An unknown woman opened the door, explaining that Tatiana had moved out years ago and had sold the apartment two years earlier.
What a sad story, he sighed. Ive been living on the streets ever since. I still cant accept that I have no home.
I thought I was alone in this, too, Nina answered, sharing her own experience.
Its all terrible, but at least Ive lived a full life. You left university, lost your home Dont lose hope; every problem has a solution. Youre young; things will turn out fine, he tried to comfort her.
Lets stop talking about misery and have dinner! Nina smiled.
She watched him devour spaghetti with sausages, feeling pity for him. It was clear he was deeply lonely and helpless.
How awful it is to be completely alone on the street, realizing no one needs you, Nina mused.
Little one, I could help you get back to university. I still have many contacts there. You could apply for a scholarship, Miguel suddenly offered. I cant show up to former classmates, but Ill write a letter to the rector for you. Constantino, an old friend of mine, will surely assist.
Thank you, that would be amazing! Nina exclaimed.
Thank you for the dinner and for listening. I must go now; its late, the old man said, standing.
Wait. Its not right, where are you heading? Nina whispered.
Dont worry. I have a warm cabin in the next yard. Ill stop by tomorrow, he smiled.
You dont need to stay on the street. I have three spacious rooms. Choose whichever you like. Honestly, Im scared of being alone. Im also uneasy about this stoveI dont know how to use it. You wont abandon me, will you?
No, I wont, he promised seriously.
***
Two years later, Nina passed her final exams with flying colors and, eager for the summer break, returned home. She still used the country house; although she lived in student housing during the term, she spent weekends and holidays there.
Hello! she shouted, hugging her grandfather Miguel.
Nininha! My dear! Why didnt you call? I would have met you at the station. Did everything go well? he beamed.
Yes! Almost all top marks! she bragged. I bought a birthday cake. Put the kettle on; lets celebrate!
They sipped tea and exchanged news.
Ive planted vines and plan to build a covered patio there. Itll be pleasant and welcoming, he told her.
Fantastic! Youre the owner, do whatever you wish. Ill come and go Nina laughed.
The man was completely transformed. He was no longer alone; he had a home and a granddaughter, Nininha. Nina had found a new family figure in Miguel Fernandes, a man who filled the void left by her parents and supported her in times of need.
