Take It All Away

You're Not Alone

I wrote this short story for my ESL class after we learned a list of new vocabulary words. My aim was to reinforce the meaning of the words in italics :)
******

The night was dark, and the woman who sat huddled on the street was unaccustomed to the bitter cold wind that blew down between the buildings. As she watched a stray cat run between the drains, nibbling on bits of rubbish, she felt just as abandoned as the poor animal with the scruffy fur. Her life had been so good and full of happiness, but when her husband had lost his job, he became depressed and gambled their savings away. The hardships she then had to face kept growing worse. She became jealous of her old friends who still lived perfect lives. Why couldn't she have just a tiny bit of their warmth and security?

Bills needed paying, and they eventually lost the house. They tried living with his parents for a time, but it didn't work out well. Her husband's depression and behaviour grew worse, and this was typical for someone in his predicament. He could have reached out for help, but he didn't, so she had to leave. Until he reformed, it was too dangerous for her to be with him.

So she found herself on the street in a rural town, far from any comforts of life. Without the essential items to live, she grew cold, hungry, and sick. What would become of her? As her weary steps explored the dark roads, she found some shelter behind a dumpster and settled down for another sleepless night. Wrapping her arms around herself, she tried to blend in with the shadows. Thankfully, she had successfully evaded the drunk revellers who were noisily partying after a football game.

But it wasn't long until her keen ears heard footsteps on the street, coming slowly her way. "Who's there?" she sat up and peered into the gloom.

"It's alright. There's no need to be afraid," the kind voice of a woman spoke. "I'm Sophia. Would you like a blanket?"

She watched the woman carefully, unsure if she should trust her. After a few moments of observing and probing for her intentions, she reached out, accepting the offered blanket. "Thank you," she mumbled while quickly wrapping it around her shoulders.

"You know," Sophia sat down on the curb beside her. "There's a nice place down the road if you need somewhere to sleep tonight."

"I don't have any money for an expensive motel," she responded bitterly.

"Oh, you don't have to pay anything. It's free," Sophia said with kindness in her voice.

"Then I don't want your charity," she protested, feeling pity for herself and hating the stubborn pride that beat in her chest.

"Well, the street is not a safe place, and I hate to see you out here in the cold alone. If you want, there is a vacant room for you at the women's shelter. So if you change your mind, you will always be welcome," Sophia said before standing up, persuading her to follow.

"Well, alright. But only for a short while, because I don't want to burden you," she stepped beside Sophia and started walking out of the alley.

Sophia nodded her head and spoke with tact, "That's fine. We can help you devise a plan to get back on your feet and find work, too."

She smiled, suddenly feeling hope after weeks of despair. By accepting a hand up, her life could only get better.