The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry

England’s gardens blossom in May, astounding Harold with their beauty. He finds many boxes of spare produce, free for the taking. Wherever he goes, Harold shares his story and asks for help, never taking more than he needs of either food or supplies. Washing in public restrooms, Harold thinks of the housed world, glad that others are safe and grateful to be “at last outside them.” He walks northward and sleeps outside, certain that Queenie will live. He finds it remarkable that a car can overtake him and see just another man. Harold feels at one with the land.

South of Coventry, Harold meets a man named Mick who buys him a lemonade, astonished that Harold puts himself “at the mercy of strangers.” Harold corrects him, saying he is simply careful. He trusts in the kindness of people and the strength of his own feet. Mick calls the journey a pilgrimage and claims it is a story people will want to hear. He takes a photo of Harold to remember him. Harold walks on to Ticknall, surprised to find the people there seem to recognize him, some staring, some cheering. Harold calls Maureen on a borrowed cell phone and she asks if he has seen the news—he and Queenie are the news.