I stood outside the door, watching, waiting. I could see the woman from the inside. I had knocked. I couldn't blame her for not letting me in. I must have looked like one of the bombers. What was I doing, thinking I was special, thinking that this woman would want to disrupt her life for a god-forsaken boy? I was about to turn and go; like so many before me, when suddenly, she opened the door.

'Come in,' she said, 'come in and eat with us.'

She was rather plump, dressed in comfortable, soft clothes. Her face radiated generosity and her blonde hair was swooped up in a loose bun. She looked the complete opposite to me. She didn't sound half as wary as she looked. I couldn't believe her kindness. I was astounded. All I had wanted was some shelter; food was more than I could have wished for. I wanted to thank her, tell her how wonderful she was. But the words wouldn't come. I was choked up. I stepped through the door and made sure to take off my soaked, torn and filthy shoes. I didn't want to betray her kindness by not showing respect. This was more than I deserved.

I looked around my new surroundings. The house was so warm I had to shrug off my winter coat.

'You can hang it on the banister,' she said, kindly, 'and don't worry about the mud. We need a new carpet anyway!'

I looked down at myself and blushed; I was dripping the foul mixture of blood, rain water and dirt all over the soft beige carpet.

'I'm so sorry.' I was barely audible. Embarrassed at my meekness, I pulled myself together. 'I can wash it for you. I'm afraid I don't have any money so I couldn't replace it but…' I trailed off, looking around in despair. Everything was so tidy and welcoming. The dusty pink walls glowed happiness, the oak banister, where my sopping coat lay, was making a stain on the carpet beneath it, looked very expensive. I didn't belong here. How dare I have the audacity to taint their very existence with mine.

'Don't you worry, my child, don't you worry at all.' She seemed to be able to read my mind. She beamed and carried on, 'That'll come off no bother.' She took a worried glance to the room behind her, the room that was emanating warmth, light and the delicious smell of food. 'However… we might want to get you out of those wet clothes before we take you into the kitchen. Follow me.'