Henry looked at Jamie. ‘She knows that’s my favourite.’ He glanced up at Kaz as he sat. ‘I’ll take that, please.’
Kaz smiled. ‘Coming right up.’
Jamie sat opposite him. ‘The chicken does smell nice.’ He sniffed the air as if to prove his point.
‘They have lovely food in here. I’m glad they started offering this kind of help. I get some bits from the food bank at the Hub, but there’s nothing quite like a home-cooked meal. I’m not very good at coping by myself when Mum is away.’
‘When will she be home from hospital?’
Henry started to unravel his knife and fork from a white paper napkin. ‘Next week, which is good. I wished so hard for her to be home for Christmas. I’ve never spent that day alone before, so I’ve been stressed in case it happened.’
Jamie had spent many a Christmas without family. He knew how hard it was. Some of the men in his wing were really run down on the day, as no visits were allowed due to staff shortages. He’d often sit with someone, trying to keep their spirits up, speaking of better times to come, especially Boxing Day, when the families were allowed to visit.
It was hard for Alice to find an excuse to visit him on that day, only managing it once by pretending she was helping apoorly friend for a couple of days. That was the best Boxing Day ever, and when it was over, he’d gone back to his cell, cuddled the Christmas card she’d sent him, and quietly shed a few tears.
Some men were okay about being inside, but Jamie hated that life, and after he’d got his head straight, all he focused on was making a better future for himself. And every interaction with Alice fed him strength and hope.
Jamie sat and chatted with Henry for a while, mostly talking about basketball, which Jamie knew little about, but Henry loved.
More and more blessings were counted as the evening went on. Talking to people in need of food took Jamie back to his prison life, where many a story of hardship floated around. He was so grateful he had a roof over his head and a full stomach.
Matt entered and called Jamie over to a table by the door, on which he started to place pamphlets. ‘See if you can get anyone to have a nosey at these.’
Jamie spotted one for The Butterfly Company.
‘They’re places people can go for guidance, respite, advice, that sort of thing,’ added Matt. ‘Brought them in from the Hub. Thought they might be of use to someone.’
‘Good idea.’ Jamie browsed the information about the Sunshine Centre, liking the look of their art classes.
‘What are these?’ asked Henry, peering around Jamie. He picked one up. ‘Oh, my mum goes to Sunshine sometimes. The centre helps her mental health. She’s in hospital having treatment for her mind now,’ he told Matt.
Jamie didn’t know Henry’s mother was away because of something like that. He’d assumed she was having an operation. ‘You could join too. I’m thinking of checking it out.’
Henry smiled. ‘I normally just drop Mum off.’
‘They have lots of different things there,’ said Matt. ‘My friend Demi hosts cookery classes, and I know someone else who likes to go just to draw.’
Henry’s eyes sparkled a touch. ‘Mum never said they cook there.’
Matt shrugged. ‘It’s pretty new. Demi was helping women build confidence through gaining a new skill, but now she’s giving classes to anyone. Worth a look, I say. I know she’s hosting a class next week where they’re going to learn how to cook a chicken and make stuffing for Christmas. You could pop along beforehand and ask to join in with the fun.’
Jamie nodded. ‘That sounds great, Henry. Would you like to learn how to cook?’
Henry nodded. ‘Yes, I would love that. And Mum would be so surprised if I made stuffing.’
‘Would you like me to come with you at all?’ asked Jamie.
‘That’s okay. I know Debra who runs things there. I can see her by myself, but thank you.’ Henry pointed his pamphlet towards the door. ‘I’m going to go home now and make plans.’
Jamie felt so happy for the young man, and Henry had a real skip in his step as he walked away, only stopping for a moment to take the blueberry muffin Kaz was offering.
‘Makes you feel good, doesn’t it?’ said Matt.
For so long, Jamie had only felt empty. Giving back to his community by helping in any way he could had sparked joy.
‘Do a shift at the Hub, Jamie.’
Jamie glanced at the table, then Matt. ‘What would I be expected to do?’
