Help

Written for https://lifeafter50forwomen.com/author/sadje19/

His suitcase hoisted above his head, Justin walked past the crowds, thinking about the best spot for a morning coffee, before going on his business trip. A few days away from his family, but he needed to do this.

Pulling out his flask, he poured a healthy portion of coffee into his cup. He wanted to have something to eat, but he would be able to do that when he got to his training session. A social worker, he saw many families on the breadline. One of them so badly off, they relied on food banks to help them eat.

Not that he was that far from it himself.

They both worked full time. The bills, and daily living costs, and it was impossible without the app ”Too Good To Go”. It helped, but the rise in his pay packet would help. New school uniform, including new PE Kit. All of them were growing so quickly.

He studied the people, wandering about in a daze. Life was weird. Everyone not noticing what the other is going through. Although he did his part. The other day, he posted some of their old uniform, and someone willingly collected them. His gaze drifted to a homeless man, sitting outside Greggs.

At least Justin had a home, security for his family.

How safe was he? When the shoppers left, and the drug dealers took over. Teenagers used to go across county lines, some as young as nine. Yes, he was able to keep his family close. Warn them of pitfalls, other parents had no idea of.

Searching in his pocket, he found fifty pence spare. He wouldn’t need that today; the man in front of him might. He stood up, and walked over. ‘Hi, hope this helps.’

‘Thank you,’ he said.

It wasn’t enough, not nearly, but at least it was something.