He knew the routine by now. Another fickle friend was falling upon hard times, looking for shelter and someone to talk to—someone who would listen and offer support. The phone call would come first:
‘Can I come up and see you?’
‘Yes, of course,’ would be the answer. Then came the man hug at the open door, the bottle would be cracked open, and the long tale of woe would unfold.
Then the latest short-term lodger would move into Fen's spare room. He had lost count of how many of these fickle friends he had helped out since his divorce. He knew he was fortunate then to have his mum's house to fall back on during his own hard times. This new buddy in the spare room happened to be a work colleague, which Fen knew from experience, is the most fickle type of friend. He is no longer in touch with anyone from his past jobs. This work colleague had no family to fall back on, effectively being homeless
Some of the spare room part-time pals stayed for just a few nights before patching things up with their partners, and then Fen never saw them again. Others had stayed for years until they found someone else who could provide shelter and friendship. This one, on this particular night, Fen already knew was a short-term friend—he was anyone's dog for a biscuit. He had caught his wife cheating and was heartbroken.
Fen would never turn anyone away who was going through such a difficult time, even though he knew he was only being used. Who wouldn’t show true friendship and offer helpful, brotherly advice to someone in need like that? It's the humane thing to do. Every community needs people like Fen to provide shelter during times of need for those who find themselves homeless.
The government refers to this as the third sector—essentially, unpaid volunteers who offer social care in communities. Fen has repeatedly found himself in the role of counsellor and caregiver for people in need of services that aren't provided by government departments in the overstretched first or second sectors of society.
Fen does a lot of community work. He gives generously to his community and expects no reward, not even lasting friendship, his life experience has shown him that’s a myth. He simply believes it's the right thing to do. He’s not a religious man, but it’s what the Christian Bible would call being a good Samaritan; perhaps what humanists would refer to as a duty of care. You do get good karma from altruistic acts of friendship,
In solidarity, sister/brother, fraternity, and love to you all. Whatever your God is, may it be with you. May your lord shelter you. May the force be with you. Live long and prosper, my friends. Stay awake and be kind to each other.
Fen