The Modern Nativity

No Money

Joseph supported Mary at her elbow as she negotiated the steps from the tram platform to the street below. They had been made to leave at Prestwich rather than their intended destination of Bury. The ticket inspectors couldn't take pity on them, even with Mary in the latter stages of pregnancy, any more than they could ignore the dozens of other illegal travellers. At least they didn't ask for their details; they couldn't afford two tickets, let alone a large fine.

All public services were braced for a large influx of due to the government of the day declaring people had to return to their towns of birth and register for new benefits. Food banks were running low across the region and starting the following week, a person could only receive help from their birth council. For Joseph, this was Bury and had meant a long journey from Stockport.

A woman who enjoyed power miles away in London was draining the last ounce of resources from the most vulnerable in the north. The unnecessary travel was an expense many couldn't afford. What she promised to build in services would come after the collapse of the needy. Some realised their own journeys were futile wanderings into regions were the food banks had already closed.

"What are we going to do, Joe?" Mary asked.

"There's a Travelodge about half a mile away, we'll head to that," Joseph said, looking distracted.

"And then what? We don't have enough money to stay in a Travelodge. We can't even afford a bus."

"There's a Pret a Manger next door," Joe said, "we'll ask for tap water and see if anyone is driving to Bury."

"What makes you think they'll let us just sit there without buying anything?" Mary asked.

"Have a little faith, Mare," Joe said, using the nickname he knew she hated. "If I can believe you're pregnant without having sex, you can entertain the idea we might be okay heading to the Travelodge for a free cup of water."

She replied with a sad smile. The baby wasn't due for weeks but it suddenly felt heavy, as if reminding her they needed a place to stay.

"We'll be okay," Joseph said, brushing her dark hair away from eyes he could see were filling up with tears. "We're not the only ones struggling at the moment."

"I know," Mary said.

They both knew. They also knew it would mean all spare rooms would be taken by those with a little bit of wealth left and she was in no condition to be sleeping rough. With dejected spirits, the young couple made their way to the Travelodge.