I Helped a Homeless Man, but Seeing His Gold Watch Left Me Stunned

Ella had no idea how profoundly their experience would alter her life until she pulled over to assist a homeless guy one rainy evening. An unexpected connection was revealed to her when she glanced at his worn gold watch, triggering a flood of recollections.

Balancing my grocery bags while battling the wind that threatened to steal my scarf, I noticed the rain starting to pour harder. The chill in the air felt relentless, seeping into my skin, making me long for the warmth of home. Just as I reached the middle of the parking lot, a voice called out from behind me, stopping me in my tracks.

“Hey, sweetheart, you dropped your wallet!”

I came to a halt and spun around. Near the entrance to the grocery shop, a man was seated on the curb. He waved my wallet a little while holding it in one hand. My heart flipped slightly.

“Oh my gosh, thank you so much!” I hurried back to him and said that. It must have fallen when I was packing the baggage.

Then he handed it back and whispered, “Don’t mention it,” He spoke in a rough yet gentle tone.

I saw up close that guy appeared to have experienced a lot. His face was deeply wrinkled, and his clothing was ancient and tattered. Even though the world hadn’t been kind to him, he still seemed to see the good in it, as evidenced by the warmth in his eyes.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Unable to stop myself, I asked.

He laughed aridly. “I suppose I am as sure as I can be. When you have nothing to lose, there isn’t much to be unhappy about.

I was taken aback by that response. Clinging to my wallet, I shifted awkwardly. I could feel the cold leaking through my coat as the rain began to get heavier. I turned to face him once more as he sat there in the open, protected only by a flimsy jacket.

I yelled out, “I can’t just leave you out here,” “Are you in need of transportation? Or even some hot food?”

He gave a headshake. “I’m okay, Miss, but you’re nice. I don’t want to bother anyone, yet people always mean well.”

The words “It’s no trouble,” I blurted out. “My car is right over there, come on. For a little while, at least, avoid the rain.

He paused, examining me as though he was attempting to ascertain my sincerity. He finally got to his feet, wiping his hands on his trousers.

Slowly, “Alright,” he said. “Just a moment. You realize that you’re too kind for your own good?

I grinned. “I’ve been told.”

There were papers and empty coffee cups all over my car. He stood outside, soaking wet, and I rushed to clean the passenger seat.

I threw stuff into the back and apologized for the mess. “Go ahead and get in.”

He remarked, “Looks cozy to me,” and climbed inside.

He quickly felt the warmth of the heater and sighed slightly. He held his hands up to the vents, and I saw how they trembled.

“What’s your name?” I inquired.

“Harry,” he said. “And you?”

“Ella,” I answered.

“Well, I appreciate this, Ella. I had no intention of leaving that curb tonight.

Unsure of what to say, I smiled slightly at him. I had seen people in difficult situations before, and Harry made me think of someone who had simply been unlucky.

I firmly stated, “I’m not letting you sleep out there tonight,” “A few blocks away is a motel. I can obtain a room for you.

After giving me a long look, he nodded slightly. “All right. But only for one evening. You shouldn’t waste your money on me.

“Deal,” I said.

The motel was clean but not spectacular. I picked up some sandwiches, fruit, and bottled water and helped him take everything in in a couple bags. Harry surveyed the space as though he had just entered a palace.

Silently, “This is more than I’ve had in a long time,” he remarked.

When I told him, “It’s nothing,” “Comfort yourself. Soon, I’ll let you rest.”

He removed his coat and placed it over the chair in a tidy manner. I noticed a gold watch on his wrist as he reached to remove his gloves. My heart stopped beating.

No. It isn’t possible.

“Where did you get that watch?” My voice trembled as I asked.

He gave me a perplexed expression. “This? It’s been with me for years. “Why?”

My breath caught in my throat as I gazed at him. That watch was familiar to me. I had previously seen it on a person I never imagined seeing again.

“Harry…” My voice broke. “Is your name really Harry?”

He scowled as he observed me. “No. Alex is here. “Why?”

The floor seemed to have fallen out from under me.

“Alex,” I said in a whisper. It’s me. “Ella.”

In a bright kitchen, standing on my tiptoes on a stool, I felt like a five-year-old once more. As I gently poured chocolate chunks into a mixing bowl, Alex was beside me, holding my hands steadily.

“Good job, kiddo!” he smiled. His chuckle was warm and deep, like a music he loved.

It was like a dream those days. Alex made me feel important and like I belonged.

However, it was short-lived.

I recalled his and Linda’s arguments, which started out quietly but eventually became louder. Linda packed everything and departed one day without saying good-bye. Despite his best efforts, Alex’s health began to deteriorate. Shortly after, social services arrived and informed me that he was unable to care for me any longer.

The day they hauled me away, I sobbed. “I’ll see you again, Ella,” Alex said, his voice quivering as he gave me a hard hug. I’ll be here for you no matter what.”

However, I didn’t see him again.

I was breathing heavily now, standing in that small motel room. “Alex,” I murmured in a shaky voice. It’s me. It’s Ella.

His brows were wrinkled as he gazed at me, seemingly unable to comprehend what he was hearing. His voice was no more than a whisper as he repeated, “Ella?”

With tears running down my cheeks, I nodded. “You looked after me when I was a child. I shared a home with Linda and you. You were never forgotten by me. Not even for a day.

He looked into my eyes for a long time without saying anything. Then his expression collapsed as recognition set in.

He said the word “Ella,” his voice breaking. “Oh, my God. Take a look at yourself. You’ve developed into a stunning young lady.

As closely as I could, I flung my arms around him. I sobbed as I said, “I thought I’d never see you again,”
He whispered, “I thought the same,” in an emotionally charged voice. “I never stopped wondering where you ended up, how you were doing.”

I told him how I recognized his gold watch as we sat down on the bed. He looked at it and rubbed his palm over its weathered face.

“It was Linda’s gift to me,” he replied quietly. “It’s the only thing I’ve got left from those days.”

“What happened?” Gently, I inquired. “How did you end up… like this?”

His voice carried the weight of years as he sighed. “Everything fell apart once you were stolen. In the divorce, Linda took the house. I became ill with diabetes and heart issues. I was broke by medical expenditures. I had nothing left when I was unable to work any longer. No friends, no family. Only the streets.

He slumped his shoulders and looked down. “Ella, it’s been so long. I no longer know what it’s like to live, not just get by.

My eyes filled with tears once more. With firmness, I responded, “You used to take care of me,” “Now, I’ll take care of you.”

I fulfilled my pledge throughout the course of the following few weeks. I covered Alex’s stay at the motel for however long he need. I would drop by every night after work with hot food or groceries.

“I can’t let you do all this,” Alex shook his head one evening.

I taunted, “Too late,” as I put down a bag of new clothes I had gotten for him. Besides, there is nothing you can do. Remember, I’m obstinate.

I made contact with some of my acquaintances. I was introduced to a local nonprofit that assisted homeless people in finding employment by my supervisor at the law business. With their assistance, Alex began performing odd chores and upkeep at a community center on a part-time basis.

He said, “This feels strange,” on his first day. “Like I’m starting over at 60.”

“Starting over is better than giving up,” I replied.

Alex started to restore his life gradually. After he began receiving routine examinations, his confidence began to return and his health improved. It was like watching the sun emerge from the clouds when I saw him grin once more.

Alex moved into a tiny apartment a few months later, which was only a short bus trip from his place of employment. He appeared happier and healthier than I had ever seen him before. I frequently went to see him, giving him food or just spending hours chatting.

Alex was waving at me as I walked out of his place the last time I saw him. His gold timepiece was gleaming in the sunlight as he returned home from work.

He yelled, “See you soon, Ella!”