The Unusual Bequest
Vera Thompsons son-in-law had promised to pick her up on Saturday morning. It was a shame to leave the cottage, but late October had arrived. The water had been turned offtime to head back to town.
Vee-ra! Vera Thompson, are you home? It was her neighbour, Leo Wilson, knocking at the door. Come in, Leo, Im still here. Just packing up. My son-in-laws coming the day after tomorrow. Hell grumble again about all the bags, I expect. But what can I do? Hardly any of its minemost of its from the garden. Dried apples, pickles, chutneys, jams. Couldnt just leave it, could I? Did it all for them, really. I dont need much myself.
Tell me about it, Leo sighed. Im heading back too, though not just yet. Still a bit of autumn left to enjoy. Lovely time of year. Ellen always loved autumn. He hesitated. Actually, Vera, thats why I stopped by. Remember how we used to close up the season all together? Back when your Steven was still with us, and we were all young. Kids running about. Now the plots are overgrown, but back thenbare earth, tiny saplings youd swear would never grow. He fidgeted with an envelope in his hands. Todays a year since Ellen Thought we might remember her together. Fancy joining me? Fried up some potatoes. Well talk, share a drink, maybe even a proper chat. Got something to discuss.
Of course, Leo. Here, take these pickled cucumbers. Give me half an hourgot bits everywhere.
Theyd been friends for years, ever since theyd each been allotted their little plots by the company they worked for. Built their homes, planted gardens, celebrated birthdays under summer skies. Life shrank to those warm, golden months. Now Veras grandchildren visited in summer, keeping her busy. Steven had been gone seven years.
But Leo and Ellen had stayed close. Well, until last autumn. Ellen had been proud of how slim shed gottenlike a model, shed say. Then, just like that This summer had been odd, too. Leo, restless, dug up beds for no one to plant. Ellen wasnt there. Just the sound of him tinkering in the shed, cursing when things didnt work. Veras grandkids barely visitedoff to camp or the seaside with their parents. She didnt even know why shed planted so much. Watered, weeded, kept busy.
With a sigh, she changed and headed next door.
Leo was waiting. The table was laidfried potatoes, tomatoes, Veras pickles, slices of ham. Sit down, love. Kids are coming tomorrow, but tonights for remembering Ellen. He pulled out old photos. LookSteven planting cherries with you. And here we all are back from mushroom picking. Baskets full. And thats the barbecuesee the smoke? Ellens squinting. He poured two small glasses. To ours. To my Ellen. And your Steven. They sipped, crunched pickles, sat in quiet.
Then Leo pulled out the envelope. Dont be shocked, just hear me out. Last autumn, Ellen faded fast. We left the cottage in August. By September, she was bedridden. But she stayed strongnever gave in. We relived our days together, watched old films, talked about everything. Then one day she says, Leo, promise youll do what I ask. Not a requestmy bequest. No arguing. We both know how this ends. And she hands me this. His voice wavered. She knew Id keep it. Here, read it.
But its for you.
Just read.
Vera unfolded the page, recognising Ellens handwriting:
*My dearest LeoIm going first, but life goes on. Live for us both. I leave you happiness. Doesnt mean forgetting me. I just cant bear the thought of everything crumbling. Dont be afraid to be happywe loved life too much. Maybe youll meet someone. If so, I hope its Vera. Always thought you fancied her. Shes good. Shell understand. Ask her to move inbetter for everyone. We never gave up. Live, Leo. Spite every hardship. Love, Ellen.*
Vera read it twice, then looked at Leo.
I promised her, he said, nervous. Vera, lets try. Weve got friendshipthats something. No shame in joy. Griefs the sin. Marry me. You wont regret it.
She didnt know what to say. Glanced at him, then nodded. Alright, Leo. Ill think. Tell my son-in-law I need another week.
That settled it. He walked her home.
Vera barely slept. A big decision. Her whole life replayed. Near dawn, Steven visited her dreams, laughing. *Stop fretting. Easier with two. Marry the old boyI dont mind. Rather you werent alone.*
Next summer, Vera and Leo took down the fence between their gardens. Twice as many grandkids now, racing about. Leo built a swing, crafted bows for the boys. Dug bedsVera planted enough for the whole clan. Granddaughters helped, given their own little patches.
Their grown kids visited weekends, glad their parents werent lonely.
Some might judge. But Ellen and Steven look down and smile. The bequestto be happyfulfilled. And life, against all odds, goes on.
