She told him everything, from the very beginning to this terrible night. The man listened attentively, then said. «You know, someone helped me once too.
Come in, no need to freeze on the street.» That’s how she ended up in this man’s apartment. He turned out to be a retired artist living alone.
His name was Arthur Simmons, and despite his age, he had amazing energy. He quickly made tea, got sandwiches from the fridge, and caringly offered Alice and her daughter to stay overnight. «Thank you,» Alice whispered, feeling the tension slowly easing.
«Thank you so much.» She laid her daughter in an old cradle that Arthur found in the attic, and finally could sleep peacefully for the first time in a long while. In the morning, Alice woke to the quiet cooing of her daughter.
She opened her eyes and saw Arthur Simmons, slightly hunched, rocking the cradle. His face shone with kindness, and a light smile played on his lips. «Good morning,» he said quietly, noticing she was awake.
«Sleep a bit more, I’ll handle it here.» Alice sat up in bed, embarrassedly smoothing her hair. She still couldn’t believe someone showed her such sincere care.
But she couldn’t lie there any longer. «Thank you,» she said, «but I can’t abuse your hospitality anymore. My daughter and I will go.»
Arthur Simmons turned to her in surprise. «Where will you go, girl? Look at yourself. You have no money, no roof over your head.
Stay here until you figure it out completely. And honestly, one solid meal is enough. It’s more fun in company.»
Alice almost cried but held back. She knew this world was harsh and rarely gave second chances. And here was her chance.
She smiled and nodded. In the following days, Arthur Simmons became something like a mentor to Alice. He showed her his paintings, told about his youth, about his wife who had passed away a few years ago.
He had no children, and he didn’t hide that Alice and her daughter’s appearance had saved him from loneliness. But Alice understood she couldn’t depend on this man’s kindness forever. Her thoughts were constantly occupied with plans on where to find work, how to provide for the child.
She remembered telling the doctor in the hospital that she could knit. «Maybe try that.» Arthur Simmons, one evening she turned to him.
«Do you know where I can buy yarn? I knit pretty well. I could make something for sale.» He thought, then suddenly slapped his knee.
«Of course. I have a friend in downtown Chicago. She has a craft store.
I’ll take you tomorrow.» That’s how a new chapter in Alice’s life began. Arthur Simmons not only introduced her to the store owner but also helped negotiate the first orders.
Alice knitted through the nights, creating tiny booties, bright hats, and even cozy blankets. The work distracted her from worries, and small successes gave her strength to move forward. After a few months, Alice managed to save a small amount.
She turned to Arthur Simmons again. «I found a room for rent. Not far from here.
Thank you for everything, but I can’t be a burden to you anymore.» He looked at her seriously, almost sternly. «Alice, you’re not a burden.
You and your little one made my life brighter. But if you’ve decided, so be it. Just know, my door is always open for you.»
They moved to a small but cozy room. Alice continued working, and Emily, that’s what she named her daughter, grew healthy and cheerful. Alice felt she was slowly but surely regaining control over her life.
And although the past sometimes reminded her with painful memories, she knew the main thing was not to give up. Because now she wasn’t alone. She had a goal for which she was ready to move mountains.
Another year passed. Alice turned from a scared girl into a confident young woman. Her knitting became a real mini-business; orders came not only from the city but also from neighboring states….
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