A HELPING HAND

One, wet afternoon, a seventeen-year-old girl, was making her way home from college. Her name was Judy.

Few people were walking about and there was hardly any traffic.

At one point, Judy came across poor-looking beggar. The beggar was over seventy years of age. He had wrinkled skin, grey hair going white and lifeless blue eyes. His clothing and footwear, was fading and torn. He had very few possessions and was holding a cup with some coins in it.

As Judy stared at the beggar, she began to feel pity. Yes, she pitied the beggar.

“You look sad, young one,” the beggar said in a faint, toneless voice.

“I pity you,” Judy said.

“You pity me?”

“Yes. Nobody deserves to be alone.”

“You are right. Nobody deserves to be alone. For years I have been. For years and years, I have wandered the streets, begging.

“O my!”

“Ever since my landlord kicked me out.”

“Did your family not offer to help you?”

“No!”

“Why not?”

“My parents are gone and the rest of my family and relatives live all over the world.”

“Have you no friends?”

“Not one! I’m a lost soul.”

Judy, who felt like crying, had a sudden idea.

“Come with me,” she said.

“Come with you? Where?”

“To my house.”

“To your house?”

“Yes! You’re not sitting there a moment longer. My parents and I will take you in.”

“Are you serious?”

“Most serious!”

“That’s so kind of you.”

“You’re welcome! By the way, what’s your name?”

“Anthony. What’s yours?”

“Judy.”

“Pleased to meet you, Judy.”

“Likewise! Now let’s gather your things. You’re coming with me at once.”

Judy helped Anthony to his feet and gathered his belongings.

She then escorted him to her house, which was on an estate.

“Here we are.”

Judy got Anthony inside out of the rain.

“Thank you!”

“I’ll go and tell my parents.”

Judy went into the kitchen, where her parents, Martin and Martha, were preparing tea.

“Hi Mum, hi Dad.”

“Hi there, Judy,” Martha said.

“Did you have a good day at college?” asked Martin.

“Yes, it was great.”

“That’s what we like to hear,” Martha said.

“On the way home, I came across a beggar.”

“A beggar?” asked Martin.

“Yes, Dad. I brought him home.”

“I’m pleased you did,” Martha said.

“So am I,” said Martin.

“What’s his name?”

“Anthony.”

“Bring him in here,” Martin said.

Judy left the kitchen for a moment.

“My parents will see you now.”

She returned to the kitchen, accompanied by Anthony.

Martin and Martha stared at Anthony with pity in their hearts.

“O my!” Martha said.

“You sure are a poor looking fellow,” said Martin.

“Tell us how you ended up like this.”

Anthony repeated everything he had said to Judy.

“O my!” said Martha.

“That’s so awful,” Martin said.

“Judy told me that I am to live here.”

“Indeed you will live here,” said Martin.

“Our home, is your home.”

So it was.