Dante looked at me and slunk off. I doubted he’d be back.
“That was harsh,” Dad said from behind.
“It was needed. I love you, Dad, but you’ve ruined Dante. If he’s to turn out halfway decent, stay the fuck out of what Mum and I are doing. It might hurt you and Dante, but in the long run, Dante will improve.”
“Never been prouder of you, Micah,” Dad whispered as I walked past him. He reached out and grabbed my shoulder. “You’ll be a great father.”
“I had a good example,” I replied and carried on to bed.
Sophie
I walked into the soup kitchen, my pride in tatters. Mark followed in his wheelchair; his back and legs were bad today, and the kids trailed behind us. They knew we were rock bottom, and the life had drained out of them. There was no joy in our world. I still worked three jobs, but we weren’t making ends meet. This was scraping the barrel.
Today was the usual staff, but, strangely, a sullen boy was standing at the drinks station. Behind him stood a man wearing one of those biker jackets. The kid was handing out cans. I saw him staring. Everything about him screamed money, and I hated him instantly. Why did that boy have so much while mine struggled?
“Mommy?” Lisa asked.
“It’s okay, baby, let’s get some lunch,” I whispered, turning away.
Quietly, we got in the queue to receive a meal. We passed through the line until we reached the kid. He wore a name badge saying ‘Dante’. He quietly handed us a can of drink each without a word and offered a hesitant smile. I couldn’t return it; I didn’t have it in me.
Fanatic
There was something about that family. They were completely broken down, without even a spark of hope. Worse, they were the only family here. I turned to the supervisor, Mavis.
“What’s their story?”
“Oh, it’s tragic,” Mavis replied and told me everything. Dante listened in, and I saw him keep glancing over at the kids.
He was thoughtful for the rest of the day, but I didn’t press him. The family left, and I prayed they were okay. I’d already put a call in to Mum. She’d be able to help them. She’d sent me a text saying she was on it, and I grinned. When they came back, Sophie and Mark would have a different outlook. A far brighter one.
Eddie
Alert for Dante, I followed Mama Phoe into the soup kitchen. She’d told me why she was coming, and I’d asked to come too. Dante was here, but this family needed help, and he could suck it if he tried shit tonight.
I spotted Dante sitting with Fanatic with a pack of cards. Neither looked impressed, but they were talking. Dante gave mea look and then glanced away. Strangely, there was no hate, but a thoughtfulness instead. Something had happened.
Mama Phoe sat down, and Fanatic nodded before gathering up the cards. People began entering as someone opened the doors, and I watched them line up for a hot meal. This was heartbreaking. Everyone present had a story, and there was an air of resignation about them. This could have been Tony and me. The thought made me shudder.
About an hour passed before the family arrived. Mama Phoe spotted them immediately and straightened. She waited until they’d finished their meal before approaching them.
“Hi, I’m Phoe, and you’re Sophie and Mark. This is my daughter, Eddie,” she said.
“Hi,” Sophie replied, looking confused.
“My sons saw you earlier. Mark, I’m very sorry to hear about your accident, and very angry your former company is messing you about. If nobody minds, I’d like to help, if possible,” Mama Phoe said.
“How?” Sophie was clearly suspicious.
“First off, I’ve contacted my lawyer. He’s happy to take on your case, and he’ll include extra damages for emotional suffering, the loss of your home, and many other things. We’ll also pay your current lawyer, so he’s no longer out of pocket. Sophie, I have a small house you can move into for now, until you get back on your feet. It’s furnished, so all you need to bring is clothing.”
“What?” Mark exclaimed, and I smiled. This was when I loved Mama Phoe the most.
“Mark, I know you worked with your hands, but I have some positions available at HQ. If you’d be interested, and Sophie, I can offer you the same?” Mama Phoe asked.
“I don’t understand,” Sophie whispered as tears welled.
“Sophie, it’s simple. Once I was you. Now I can help others. Honey, I’m offering a helping hand, take it,” Mama Phoe said.
