**An Unusual Bequest**
Henry had promised to pick up Vera Thompson on Saturday morning. It was a shame to leave the cottage, but October was ending. The water had been turned offtime to go home.
Vera! Vera, are you there? The knock at the door was from her neighbour, Leonard Baxter. Come in, Len. Im still packing. Henrys coming the day after tomorrowhell probably grumble again about all these bags. But what can I do? Most of it isnt even minejust the harvest. Dried apples, pickles, jams. Couldnt leave it all behind, could I? I did it for them, not for me.
Tell me about it, Leonard sighed. Ill stay a bit longer. Autumns lovely here. Helen always loved autumn. He hesitated, fiddling with an envelope. Remember how we used to close the season together? Back when your Michael was still alive, and we were all young. The kids were little then. Now the gardens are overgrown, but back then, it was barejust saplings, seemed like theyd never grow. He cleared his throat. Todays Helens anniversary. Didnt want to mark it alone. Thought we could share a mealIve fried some potatoes. And theres something I need to talk to you about.
Of course, Len. Here, take these pickles. Give me half an hourstill sorting things out.
Theyd been friends for years, ever since their company gave them these plots. Theyd built their cottages side by side, planted gardens, celebrated birthdays under the summer sun. For them, summer was life itself. Now Veras grandchildren visited her in the season, keeping her busy. Michael had been gone seven years.
But Leonard and Helen had remained her neighbours. Or rather, Leonard hadHelen passed last autumn. Shed been proud of losing weight, looking like a model. Then, suddenly This summer had felt strange too. Leonard wandered like a lost soul, digging beds for no one to plant. All Vera heard was him tinkering in the shed, swearing when things went wrong. Her grandchildren barely visitedeither at camp or away with their parents. She didnt even know why shed grown so much this year.
Vera sighed, changed her clothes, and headed next door.
Leonard had laid out fried potatoes, tomatoes, her pickles, and sliced sausage. Sit down, Vera. The kids are coming tomorrow, but tonight lets remember Helen. He pulled out an old photo album. LookMichael planting that cherry tree with you. And here we all are back from mushroom picking. Baskets overflowing. And thisthe barbecue. See the smoke? Helens squinting. He poured two glasses. To them. To Helen. And to Michael.
They ate in quiet reflection. Then Leonard took out an envelope. Vera, dont be startledjust listen. Helen faded so fast last year. By September, she was bedridden, but she stayed strong. We relived our life together, day by daywatched old films, talked about everything. Then one day, she made me promise something. Len, she said, this isnt a request. Its my bequest to you. Dont arguejust promise. And she gave me this. He handed Vera the envelope. Read it.
Vera unfolded the letter in Helens handwriting:
*My dear Len, life goes on, and I need you to live it for us both. I bequeath you happiness. Not forgetting me, but refusing to let everything crumble. I cant bear the thought of you alone. Dont be afraid to find joy again. Maybe even with VeraI always thought you two suited each other. Shes kind; shed understand. Promise me youll try. Love, Helen.*
Vera read it twice, then looked at Leonard.
I promised her, he said softly. Vera, lets try. Weve shared friendship for yearsthats no small thing. Theres no shame in choosing happiness. Marry me.
Vera was stunned. But as she studied his face, something felt right. Ill think on it, she said at last. Ill tell Henry I need another week.
That night, Vera couldnt sleep. Memories flashed byuntil Michael appeared in a dream, laughing. *Stop agonising. Lifes easier together. Marry LenId be glad to know youre not alone.*
By the next summer, the fence between their gardens was gone. Their combined grandchildren raced around the yard. Leonard built a swing, carved bows for the boys. Vera planted enough vegetables for the whole family. Their children visited often, grateful to see them content.
Some might judge. But Helen and Michael, looking down, only smiled. The bequest had been honoured. Against all odds, life had found a way forward.
*Sometimes happiness isnt a betrayalits the truest way to honour those weve loved.*
