She was in her early twenties when they appeared.
It happened behind the chemist shop in the high street. This being one of several places for the homeless to bed down for the night. It was her favourite spot where six large skips were lined up on one side of the alley, providing five sleeping places, gaps between the containers. This was a preferred spot as it allowed a degree of privacy as well as giving some protection from the wind that often coursed down through the passage. Only one other nook was taken, meaning that it would be a relatively quiet night. She had been sleeping rough for as long as she could remember. On this particular night, like so many others, she was high on dope. Nothing unusual about that. In fact, she been doing drugs for most of her adult life.
She had run away from home when she was not much more than a girl. She didn’t finish her schooling. Street life was appealing at first. She certainly made lots of friends very quickly. There seemed to be a common bond among them. However, the attraction of her newly chosen lifestyle gradually wore off and a sense of resignation took over. Of course, the lack of proper hygiene together with a shortage of decent food had taken its toll. She had long given up any notions about getting clean or returning to any kind of meaningful life.
She was preparing to settle down for the night, when it happened. Wrapped in her blanket, she was sitting up, leaning forward to take a last minute look around. Although it was difficult to see, some distant movement caught her eye. The passageway was now quite dark, with only the streetlamps from the main road giving off a slight glow. She watched for a moment or two before she could make out three people walking slowly towards her. Well, not just people; a family. How strange, she thought. What appeared to be a couple and a child were gradually coming closer. They seemed to be talking to each other, but they made no sound. Likewise, their footsteps were silent.
When they reached her sleeping spot, they stopped. The parents stood looking around at the surroundings. In what light there was available and with them now being so close, she was gobsmacked to see that they were her own parents! They seemed to be quite young, but they definitely were her mother and father. The young girl, however… she wasn’t sure.
Then, quite suddenly, the mother crouched down beside her daughter and seemed to be explaining something to her. After this, she raised her arm and pointed to the woman between the bins. The child followed her mother’s directions and peered in at the down-and-out, who was now sitting up and staring out from the space in disbelief. At first, it was just a frown as she peered in, then the tears began to flow.
As she peered in, the other stared out.
They cried together.