**An Unusual Bequest**
Her son-in-law had promised to collect Vera Thompson on Saturday morning. She was reluctant to leave the cottage, but late October had arrived. The water had been turned offtime to go home.
“Vee-ra! Vera, love, are you in?” Her neighbour, Leo Bennett, knocked on the door. “Come in, Leo, Im still here. Just packing up. My son-in-laws fetching me the day after tomorrow. Hell moan again about all the bags, no doubt. But what can I do? Hardly any of its minemostly just the harvest. Dried appleswhat a year for them! Pickles, chutneys, jams. Cant leave it all behind, can I? I did it for them, anyway. Not like I need much for myself.”
“Tell me about it,” Leo sighed. “Im staying a bit longer myself. Lovely time of year, autumn. Ellie always loved autumn. Actually, Veraremember how we used to close the season all together? Back when your Steve was still with us, and we were all young. The kids were little. Now the plots are overgrown, but back thenbare earth, saplings youd swear would never grow. Thing is, Vera todays a year since Ellie left. Thought we might remember her together.” He fidgeted with an envelope. “Dont fancy doing it alone. Fancy joining me? Fried up some of my potatoes. Well sit, talk, remember her. And theres something else I wanted to discuss.”
“Of course, Leo. Here, take these pickled cucumbers. Give me half an houryou can see the state of this place.”
Theyd been friends for decades, ever since their company allotted them each a patch of land. Theyd built their cottages side by side, planted gardens, celebrated birthdays under summer skies. Back then, the children ran wild between the plots. Now, Veras grandchildren visited in summer, keeping her busy. Steve had been gone seven years.
Leo and Ellie had remained good neighbours. *Had* remainedbecause Ellie passed last autumn. Shed been proud of slimming down, looking model-thin. Thenwell. This summer had felt odd. Leo, restless, dug vegetable beds for no one. Ellie wasnt there to plant them. Just the sound of him tinkering in the shed, cursing when things went wrong. Veras grandchildren barely visitedoff to camp or the seaside with their parents. She hardly knew why shed grown so much. Watering, weeding, keeping busy.
With a sigh, Vera changed and went next door. Shed promised.
Leo had laid the tablefried potatoes, tomatoes, her pickles, sliced sausage. “Sit down, love. The kids are coming tomorrow, but tonight its just us and Ellie.” He pulled out old photos. “LookSteve planting that cherry tree with you. And hereall of us back from mushroom picking. Baskets overflowing! And thisthe barbecue. See the smoke? Ellie squinting.” He poured two shots. “To ours. To my Ellie. And your Steve.” They drank, nibbled pickles. Then Leo produced the envelope.
“Vera, dont be shockedjust hear me out. Last autumn, Ellie faded fast. We left the cottage in August. By September, she was bedridden. But she stayed strongnever gave in. We relived our life together, day by day. Watched old films, talked endlessly. Then one day, she said, ‘Leo, promise youll do as I ask. Not a requestmy bequest to you. Dont argue. We both know how this ends.’ And she gave me this.” He pushed the envelope across. “Read it.”
“But its for you.”
“Just read.”
Vera unfolded the page, recognising Ellies handwriting:
*My darling Leo, Im leaving too soon. But life goes onlive it for us both. I bequeath you happiness. Doesnt mean forgetting me. I cant bear the thought of you breaking down. Dont fear joywe loved life too much. And if you find someone Id be glad. Always thought you fancied Vera. Shes good-heartedshell understand. Ask her to share your life. Better for everyone. We never surrendereddont start now. Live defiantly, my love. Yours always, Ellie.*
Vera read it twice, then met Leos gaze.
“I promised her,” he said, voice unsteady. “Vera lets try. Weve got warmth between usthats rare. No shame in happiness. Griefs the real sin. Marry me. You wont regret it.”
Stunned, Vera studied him. Thenoddly calmshe nodded. “Alright, Leo. Ill think on it. Tell my son-in-law I need another week.”
He walked her home.
That night, sleep evaded her. But by dawn, Steve visited her dreams, laughing. *Stop fretting. Easier with two. Marry the old boyIm glad you wont be alone.*
Next summer, Vera and Leo took down the fence between their gardens. Now the grandchildren had twice the space to play. Leo built a swing, crafted bows for the boys. Vera planted enough vegetables for the whole family. The girls got their own little plots to tend.
Their grown children visited weekends, relieved their parents had each other.
Some might judge. But Ellie and Steve look down and smile. Their bequesthappinessis fulfilled. And life, against all odds, goes on.
