Unexpected Friends - Book 1

It all began in the cold. The raw November night saw a continuous stream of the homeless hurrying inside to the welcoming warmth and comfort of the shelter. There to greet them with smiles, compassion and directions to the hot food and drinks was the director of the facility, Patti Greene. She, her small staff, along with a dozen or so volunteers, helped their clients, some of whom were now very familiar, with everything they needed to become comfortable for another night's stay out of the harsh elements. Although the work was hard, sometimes exhausting and emotional, it was always carried out with cheerfulness and not a little love. As the men, women and a few children settled down to enjoy their nourishing refreshments, Patti toured the hall and engaged them as best she could with upbeat conversations to make them feel even more at home. Her out-going personality enabled her to connect with them on many levels, eliciting smiles, the reaching out to touch her hand and even welcomed laughter in some instances. Once Patti made sure the facility's clients felt safe and secure for the night, she left the ten hour shift to her competent staff with full knowledge that they would manage quite well without her until the morning. Her priority now was to get home as quickly as possible to tuck her five-year-old daughter into bed and read her one of her favorite bedtime stories. Just as Patti was gathering up her things and heading for the door she noticed an older woman sitting alone nursing a cup of coffee. She was not disheveled in any way but just seemed to stare around the hall as if bemused by her surroundings. Stopping and putting down her things, Patti gently approached, sat down next to the woman, smiled and asked if everything was all right with her. “Oh yes, thank you," the woman replied, as she sipped her steaming coffee. “Do you have everything you need?" Patti asked. “I think so, it’s just that this is all very strange for me." Nodding kindly, Patti asked, “Is this your first time in the shelter?" Pursing her lips, the woman answered that it was but she was so grateful for a bed for the night. “My staff and volunteers are wonderful caring people, so if there’s anything you need, anything at all, please just ask, all right?" “Thank you, I will." “Are you ready to turn in yet? I think we have you sharing a room with Sharon, who I think you’ll find is quiet as a mouse." “Oh, okay, thank you again. Yes, I'm very tired so a bed would be most welcome." “Let me help you with your things and I'll show you where everything is, c'mon." They walked arm in arm down the brightly lit corridor before turning into the last room on the left. “Here we are...um... I'm sorry I didn't catch your name." “Lucy, Lucy Graham." “Well okay, Ms. Graham, you can take whichever bed you like and I'll let Sharon know she has a companion for the night. The bathroom is just outside to your right and my staff is on duty all night if you need anything." Lucy Graham nodded and tried a weak smile in gratitude for the kindness Patti had shown her, but her response was more one of some sort of shame for finding herself dependent on others for help. Patti left her to get settled, located Sharon, a regular client of the facility, and informed her that she'd be having a roommate for the night. “It's her first time here, Sharon," Patti explained, “so I'd appreciate it if you could keep an eye on her to make sure she knows where everything is." “Of course, dear, I'll take very good care of her don't you worry." With that assurance Patti left Sharon and the facility for the night.