“Extremely,” she answers with a big smile.
I start putting the photos away and place the purse back in the glove compartment. I feel a sense of sadness, and I think Dotty notices.
“What about your family?”
Looking down, I start playing with my hands. “I don’t have any.”
“None at all?”
I shake my head. “I guess when life was handing out sugar to balance out all the lemons I got, it skipped that particular line with me.” I try a chuckle, but Dotty looks sad for me. “Please don’t feel sad for me. It’s all I’ve ever known.”
“But, how can I not feel sad for you? How can anyone with a heart not feel sad for you?” She shakes her head, and I can tell she doesn’t know what to say. “I suppose when life gives you the downs, there’s only one place left to go.”
Wow, this woman is something else. I only wished she was my grandmother. “I take that to mean you’re a glass-is-half-full kind of gal?”
She starts laughing. “Yes, I guess so. I’ve been tested a few times in my lifetime, but I have also been blessed. I always think of that when life decides to test me.”
I nod. “I suppose it’s better to look at it that way.”
“Have you ever watched the film Good Will Hunting?” I shake my head. “You should. It’s about a very gifted young man around your age trying to find his direction in life. You should watch it.”
I nod. “I’ll have to remember that.”
We then start idle chit-chat about movies, songs, and even politics. I was so enamoured by her that I didn’t even realise that we were in Reading until she stopped the car on a quiet street.
“This is me. Would you like to come in for something to eat? I’m sure Heather won’t mind.”
I shake my head and take her hand. “No, really. You’ve done more than enough.”
She doesn’t look very happy with this, but quickly leans over and gets her purse out. She pulls out a couple of fifty pound notes and tries to hand them to me. “No, I can’t. Please.”
She forces it in my hand. “I won’t take no for an answer.”
My God, I feel like a total shit now. “But I can’t—”
“Yes, you can. Go find your sugar and make yourself some lemonade.” I look at her sincere expression and an overwhelming feeling of gratitude builds inside me for this stranger, who has just in the last hour, become my only friend in the world. I can’t help the tears that well as I nod my head.
“Thank you,” I say softly. I’m trying hard not to cry, but the wetness still builds inside my eyes. “I will pay you back one day. I promise. Even if it takes years, I promise I will find you and pay you back.”
She waves me off. “It doesn’t matter if you can’t. It would be nice for you not to be a stranger, though. Once you’re settled, look me up on Facebook. It’ll be under Dotty Fisher. I’m the one with a pogo stick.” I look at her with widened eyes. “Don’t ask,” she says in response.
I start chuckling. “Okay.”
She looks towards what I assume is her sister’s house. “Are you sure you won’t come in with me? Even for a sandwich?”
I shake my head. “No, I’m fine. I better get going.”
“Okay, if you’re sure?” I nod my head and pull the handle of the car to get out. Dotty soon follows suit, and once on the pavement, I give her a big hug.
“Thank you so much for this. You really don’t know how much it means to me.”
She pats my back. “A good deed never goes unpunished. Just be sure to pass it on one day—once you’ve made your lemonade of course.”
Pulling away from her, I chuckle. “I will.”
She strokes my hair, and I can’t help but feel so cherished by that one small gesture. “You take care of yourself, okay?”
I nod my head. “I will. Thank you again.”
“Don’t mention it, dear.”
I move away, saying goodbye ,and once I turn, I realise that for the first time in my life, I’ve had some sort of normality. It was only for an hour, but how fantastic that hour was. Dotty is an amazing woman, and I’m determined to follow through with my promise. I will find her—no matter how long it takes—and I will pay her back.
As I reach the end of the street, I see another, busier one ahead of me. I’m not sure whether I should turn right or left, but I know I will have to make a choice. Suddenly, I start laughing. For the first time ever, I can choose my path.
I look left and then right. To my right, I spot a market stall in the distance called “Squeeze Me.” I smile as it has me thinking of that lemonade Dotty told me to make for myself.