**An Unusual Bequest**
Mark promised to pick up Vera Thompson on Saturday morning. Its a shame to leave the cottage, but its late October now. The waters been turned off, and its time to go home.
“Vee-ra! Vera, love, you in?” Her neighbour, Leo Bennett, knocked on the door. “Come in, Leo, Im still here. Just packing up. Marks coming the day after tomorrowhell moan about all the bags again, no doubt. But what can I do? Half of its just the harvest. Dried applessuch a good year for them. Pickles, chutneys, jams. Cant just leave it, can I? Did it all for them, really. Dont need much myself.”
“Tell me about it,” Leo sighed. “Im staying a bit longer. Lovely this time of year. Emma always loved autumn. Thats actually why I popped round, Vera. Remember how we used to close up the season together? Back when your Steve was still with us, and we were all young. Kids running about. Now the plots are overgrown, but back thenjust bare earth, tiny apple trees. Never thought theyd grow. Thing is, Vera Todays a year since Emma passed. Thought we might remember her together.” He fiddled with an envelope. “Didnt fancy doing it alone. Fancy joining me? Fried up some potatoes. We can sit, have a chat, remember her. Got something to discuss with you, too.”
“Course, Leo. Here, take these pickles. Give me half an hourplace is a mess.”
Theyd been friends for decades, ever since their old workplace allocated them neighbouring plots. Built their homes, planted gardens, celebrated birthdays together. Summers were a little lifetime. Now, Veras grandkids visit all seasonno time to feel lonely. But Steves been gone seven years.
Leo and Emma were still her closest neighbours. Well, *were*. Emma passed last autumn. Shed been proud of losing weight, looking glamorous. Then, just like that This summer felt odd too. Leo dug over the veg patchbut whod plant it now? Just him in his shed, swearing over some DIY. Veras grandkids barely visitedoff to camp or the seaside. She hardly knew why shed grown so much. Watered, weeded, kept busy.
With a sigh, Vera changed and headed next door.
Leo had laid out a spreadfried potatoes, tomatoes, her pickles, sliced sausage. “Sit down, love. Kids are coming tomorrow. Tonights for Emma.” He pulled out old photos. “LookSteve planting that cherry tree with you. And us back from mushroom huntingbaskets overflowing! Heres the barbecue. See the smoke? Emmas squinting.” He poured two whiskeys. “To ours. To Emma. And to Steve.”
They clinked. Crunched pickles. Then Leo slid the envelope across.
“Dont be shockedjust hear me out. Emma faded fast last year. We left the cottage in August. By September, she was bedridden. But she was toughkept our spirits up. We relived our life, watched old films. Then one day she says, *Promise youll do what I ask. Its my wish. No arguingwe both know the score.* Hands me this.” His voice wavered. “Read it.”
“But its for you.”
“Just read.”
Vera unfolded the note in Emmas looping script:
*My Leo, Im going first. Live for us both! I bequeath you happiness. Doesnt mean forgetting me. But I cant bear the thought of you breaking down. Dont be afraid to be happywe loved life too much. Maybe youll meet someone. If its Vera, Id be glad. Shes good, shell understand. Ask her to share your life. We never gave updont start now. Yours always, Emma.*
Vera read it twice. Looked up.
“I promised her,” Leo said. “Your choice, but Vera, lets try. Weve got years of friendship. No shame in joy. Marry me. You wont regret it.”
Flustered, Vera studied him. Then “Alright, Leo. Ill think. Tell Mark I need another week.”
He walked her home.
That night, Vera tossed and turned. At dawn, she dreamed of Steve. Grinning, he said, *”Stop fretting. Twos easier than one. Marry the chapIm chuffed you wont be alone.”*
Next summer, they took down the fence between their gardens. Twice as many grandkids now. Leo built a swing, crafted bows for the boys. Vera planted enough for the whole family. The girls got their own little plots.
Their grown kids visit weekends, relieved their parents have each other.
Maybe some will judge. But Emma and Steve look down and smile. The bequest is fulfilled. Life, against all odds, goes on.
