We Are Not Forgotten

chapter twelve.

Upon stepping out of the council estate building, my moment of happiness faded away quickly; the seriousness of our situation growing inside my head. We had nowhere to go, the only logical option was to find a hotel, but I knew that it would cost an unsightly amount and with only fifty pounds in my pocket, I was beginning to worry.

I was still clutching Gabi’s hand tightly as we began strolling down the street, our mass of luggage being dragged behind us. The truth was I was scared. Our homelessness was daunting and I honestly feared for our lives.

After a long amount of walking, we came to a small park with a play area positioned in the middle. Not having anything better to do, I told Gabi that we could stop here for a while. Besides, my arms and shoulders were absolutely killing me from having to haul all of our stuff around. Because it was early in the morning, the park was completely empty apart from the odd dog walker who cut through. Thankfully, this meant we were free from causing any suspicion or unwanted attention from the fact that we had piles of suitcases with us.

  

“Can I go and play now?” Gabi said excitedly after placing her backpack on the ground. I noticed the happiness in her eyes and nodded. She was obviously overwhelmed because she had the park all to herself and for a kid that is almost unbelievable. As the play area was only a short distance away, I merely watched as she quickly ran towards it and began clambering up the climbing frame. 

I lowered myself down in between the luggage and curled my body into a tight ball like a lost child. I rested my chin on my knees and let out a huge sigh.

  

I then took out my phone to check the time. That was all I really could use it for considering the contract had now ended when I failed to make any payments. The only number I could call now was 999 and I certainly didn’t want to do that. The public services couldn’t help us in this situation, could they? I didn’t want to risk it anyway. Everything just seemed so hopeless.

  

For a second, I thought I was going to cry because the lump in my throat had reappeared but I swallowed it back. I had to keep it together the best I could. Gabi relied on me and I couldn’t break down now. We were all each other had.

  

I stared at her happy little soul running away the empty play area and had the sudden urge to join her. No one would be around to see me acting like a child and perhaps it would allow me to forget about our situation for just five seconds. I needed some kind of relief and maybe this was it.

So, throwing caution to the wind, I jumped up and rushed over to where my daughter was excitedly playing. I climbed to the top of the slide and sat down. I saw Gabi’s eyes widened.

  

“Come on kiddo!” I called, beaming as a surprised look was painted across her face. I rarely ever played with her in the park so this must have been a rather new experience. It was a new experience for the both of us. Nevertheless, she giggled and ran up the steps quickly to meet me.

  

I lifted her onto to my lap gently and gripped her petite body so that she wouldn’t fall,

  

“Ready?” I asked. I pushed off the sides and the two of us when soaring down the metal slide. Granted it was not very big so it only lasted a few seconds but it was fun all the same. Gabi hopped off of me and began jumping up and down on the spot.