An Act of Kindness by Will
Oh, Emily! Youre just in time! I honestly dont know what to do!
Emily set her heavy shopping bag down on the bench and sighed.
Whats happened, Mrs. Veronica Sutton?
Stay calm, Emily. Rememberpoliteness, and more politeness. Thats the only way with the elderly, even the cantankerous ones.
And everyone on the estate knew Veronica Suttons reputation for being difficultif not downright infamous.
But the thing about Mrs. Sutton was that, despite her complaints, she always did so with the utmost civilityyet she had a knack for getting under peoples skin like nobody else.
Dear, youre not quite right.
Im not your dear!
Oh, what a shame! In my day, being called dear was considered a compliment, not an inconvenience. Times have truly changedlost generation, as they say! But I do insist you tidy up after your dog.
And if I dont?
Then everyone around here will know about it, darling!
Those who ignored Mrs. Suttons threats, dismissing them as hot air, quickly discovered she meant business. And she didnt just talk about consequencesshe put them into action. The person who offended her would find their face plastered over every noticeboard and lamppost in the neighbourhood the next day, under the headline: This is not who we are proud of! The blurb below would detail the specific offence committed.
Mrs. Sutton had no shortage of these flyers. Her neighbour had taught her how to use a printer, which now churned away constantly. Thanks to her comfortable pension and some support from her grown-up children, she could buy reams of paper in bulk. As for the fines the council occasionally slapped on her for this, Veronica brushed them off completely. She dutifully attended every hearing, apologised to the magistrate for wasting their time, and carried on as before. By now, everyone at the council offices viewed her less as a nuisance and more as a strange quirk of the neighbourhooddepending on whom you asked.
Sometimes, people even thanked heras when her relentless campaign finally got the entire estates drainage system fixed after nearly a decade of lobbying. It was the highlight of Veronicas career, costing her years of arguments with officials and sleepless nights. But once she succeeded, people began to see her differently. She wasnt just a moaner. Car owners who no longer had to paddle through floods after every rainstorm would doff their hats to Mrs. Sutton as she hurried byhoping, with a small shudder, theyd never see their faces pinned up on her flyers. Everyone remembered their small misdeeds and sighed with relief once shed passed.
Irresponsible dog owners, inattentive mothers more interested in a bottle of lager than in their kids, dodgy dads dodging child support, local drinkersno one was immune to her attention. Anyone who thought common decency was optional, preferring to live by their own selfish rules, had a reckoning with Mrs. Sutton coming.
Of course, not everyone liked her approach. Late one night, after visiting her poorly sister, she was ambushed in a dim alley. They didnt rough her up for longsomeone startled the attackersbut the incident only made Veronica all the more determined in her crusade. After all, if what she did rattled people that much, she must be on the right track.
The bruises faded, but her broken leg never quite mended and always ached with the English weather. Yet, as she liked to say, At least I always know when to bring my umbrella! Isnt that a blessing?
The culprits were quickly found and punished severelyVeronicas reputation at the court ensured that. She also gained several valuable friendships with three local bobbies and a detective, whom she wasnt shy to call on when needed.
Arthur, my dear, I desperately need your help! shed phone her favourite constable.
And Arthur, a burly man with a splendid moustache and, since buying a nearby flat, now her next-door neighbour, always came running. This odd, genteel, wiry woman had, in just a few months, won over not only his wife and children but even his formidable motherwhom Arthur usually approached with trepidation. It was all thanks to Veronicas masterful intervention when she tactfully explained that popping in on your grown son daily, for no reason, isnt exactly helpful, my dear.
My goodness, dont tell me you failed to raise him properly?
I beg your pardon! Im an excellent mother!
Im certain you are! But if hes so very well brought up, why does he still need your hanky? Really, its almost tragic if a man of his age cant manage a sniffle on his own. What are children coming to these days? The more you put in, the more you must still control! My sympathies, dearits rather sad, isnt it?
Suffice it to say, Arthurs mothers visits dwindled, to the familys immense relief. Their gratitude toward Mrs. Sutton, who had said what they never dared, knew no bounds.
Emily, a social worker for some years, was well aware of Veronicas history and connections. Thats why it was such a surprise to find the formidable old woman sobbing on the bench by the main entrance.
Why are you crying?
Emily its your lady Mrs. Gail Benson
What about her? Emilys heart leapt as her gaze flicked to the familiar windows.
Arthurs there now. Gails gone.
Emily sank shakily onto the bench, almost missing it entirely.
What a day! First, the drains burst outside her house, making the kids late for school. Then, a proper row with her husband. She adored James, of coursehe neither drank nor smoked, doted on her and the children, and earned a decent living. Rarity itself, her friends said. But some days, nerves just frayedlike this morning, when shed argued over a wretched lightbulb she could easily have changed herself.
Stupid, really. Yet the little things mount up, especially when life keeps lobbing curveballs. Yesterday, Gail asked her to pick up cat food, and now
Emily sniffled, and then suddenly burst into tears.
Oh, my dear Here, take my hanky!
A spotless handkerchief landed in Emilys lapand she sobbed harder, recognising it instantly. Just like the one Mrs. Benson had given her for Christmas.
For you, Emily! A small token, with my deepest thanks.
Heavens, its beautiful! And thats embroideryis it?
Yes, your initials.
It would be a crime to use something so lovely for its intended purpose!
Its just a hanky, love. I wish I could offer you something more, but you know how things are on my pension.
My gran always said the best gift is being remembered.
Very wise, was your grandmother. Is she still with you?
No. Its just me, James, and our kids now. My familys all gone.
Thats a great pity, Emilybut dont misunderstand! Im glad you have your family; its just Well, I never had my own. Never married or had children, but I do have plenty of relatives who always knew how I ought to live. Sisters, a brother, aunts, uncles, parents All wanting to helpwhich turned out to be more of a hindrance, and now Im alone. My fault, too, of course. But loneliness its a dreadful thing, Emily. People need people, theres no escaping it. If it werent for my cats, I dont know why Id bother getting out of bed. My niece called me a drain on resources just the other day, when I wouldnt let her move in. My sister was furious. Apparently, her daughters off to a prestigious university and needs a flat.
Why did you refuse? Wouldnt having her there be company?
Oh, Emily, you misunderstand! I was to give up my entire flat to my niecenot just a room. Im not meant to need it any more, they say. The girl should have it to study, start a family, settlehere, in my home. As for me, I was meant to move in with my sister brieflybefore being parked in a care home theyd already scouted. Can you believe it?
I dont get it. How can anyone decide your fate like that? Youre not a child!
My family has their doubts about my competence these days. Apparently, I forgot how to make decisions. All this after a lifetime! Friends like thatyou barely need enemies
Yet, theyre still family. And I do still love them, Emily. Ive already left the flat to my nieces and nephews in my will, split equally. Couldnt bring myself to choose just one. But just the thought of whatll become of my cats if anything happens to meoh, it terrifies me! They all hate cats. Threaten to dump them the moment Im gone.
Thats not going to happen!
You dont know them!
I neither know them nor want to! Ive got an ideawhy not leave your cats to me?
What?
I mean it. Cats are property, right? Write them into your will, and if anything happens, Ill look after them. Otherwise, who will? Consider it a kindnessdont let them pay the price because you love them so much.
Emily, youre an angel! Never would have thought of that myselfbut its a lot, you know.
Nonsense! How can you call them a burden? As they saywhats a home without a cat? Emily scratched behind Basils ear, fighting off the affectionate paw of little Fred.
Basil had lived with Gail for a decade, while Fred, a waif picked up by Veronica outside the Co-op, had been passed on to Gail with the words: Gail love, youll know what to do with this mess. Im allergic, you know thatbut my heart wont let me walk past. Just look at his poor little face! How could anyone throw something so precious away?
And so Fred joined the household, only for it to later turn out that Fred was, in fact, a Freda. Not long before Gails passing, she woke up to the sight of kittens wriggling on her bed.
Oh, poor Fredaor perhaps lucky Freda! Such beautiful kittens, you clever girl! Basil! If you dont help, youll lose my respect, hear me?
Mascot presumably understood: he turned out to be an excellent father.
Emily would visit, delighting in the feline family. Fancy us all-knowing humans, and we couldnt even tell Fred from Freda! How didnt you notice she was pregnant?
I just thought shed been eating well! Gail would laugh. What am I to do with all these kittens?
Ill help! Weve plenty of space. And if we run shortMrs. Sutton knows everyone; shell help! Well sort it.
Emily, remembering the kittens, suddenly sprang up from the bench.
What am I doing sitting here?! Theyll be hungry!
Emily collected her inheritance that very day. Arthur didnt objecthe helped carry the basket to Emilys house, asking almost shyly, Could I keep one? The kids have been asking for ages, and my mother no longer objects to pets. Gail Benson was a lovely woman; her cats must be just as lovely.
Of coursetake your pick! Emily peeled back a corner of the tea towel on the basket.
That ginger one, please.
No problem! Come pick it up when its grown.
Thank you!
No need to thank me. So, whos handling everything now? Any sign of her family?
Oh, they calledsaid theyre too busy, so we should manage ourselves.
Emily almost dropped the basket. Whatreally?
Ill take care of everything, she said firmly.
She wasnt even related to you, Arthur remarked.
Youre wrong there. Weve been friends for over five years. You dont need a lifetime to become closeor to know someones real worth. There are family members you barely know all your life, and friends you meet in a moment who change your whole world. I wont let Mrs. Benson be sent off without respect. She didnt deserve thatnot in the least! Got it?
Arthur smiled gently at her tirade and patted her shoulder.
You sound just like someone else I know. Theres no need to get worked up, you know. Ill help.
Thank you Emily said, calming a little. Why had she snapped like that?
At home, she paused in the garden path. The house, right in the heart of town, had been built by her grandfather and passed down to her parents, then to her. Summer and winter, it was always a havena home, not just bricks and mortar, but laughter and memories.
How could anyone not love their family, or care for their elders, or cherish their children?
She went inside as the delicious scents of supper wafted through the house. Her husband, James, popped his head out of the kitchen. Emily, whats wrong? I changed that lightbulb, by the way! Left work early to sort it, and fixed the garden tap as wellyour tulips will thank you. Please dont cry.
Im notwell, I am. At that, she gave up completely and couldnt stop sniffling.
Whats this? James gently took the basket from her. Blimey, its heavy!
Kittens Emily buried her face in his shoulder for comfort.
What?
Look! She lifted the towel, and the children, lured by shrill mewls, squealed with delight. James quickly hushed them, Quiet! Youll scare the kittens!
The cats quickly made themselves at home. Basil contributed by dropping the occasional mouse at the back door; hed not forgotten his old owner and sometimes trekked back to Gails house, sitting in the tree outside for hours, softly calling for the one who could never answer. The neighbours understood these vigils; if the cat missed her, who could blame him?
Sometimes Basil would spend only a few minutes. Other days, hed sit for hours and arrive home late, prompting Emilys good-natured grumble as she let him in, Moonlighting again, are you? Ive work in the morning!
Basil, grateful, would patrol the houseonly settling into the basket with Freda and their brood after checking on the children and James.
Gail Benson was laid to rest with dignity. Emily was astonished by how many people came to pay their respects.
Who are they? she whispered as she and Mrs. Sutton set out the funeral tea.
Her students. Gail was a physics teacher, then a tutorcoached children for university entrance exams. She did well for herself, even after her eyesight began to fade. Had to give up teaching, but as you see, she was remembered. She was a wonderful person
I know
Nine days forty days…
Emily would get up during the night to let the cat in, pondering how short life is, how quickly it flies by. She already suspected why her nerves were on edge, and why shed felt queasy in the mornings. It was a secret she kept even from James, one that filled her with hope.
She would stroke Freda and her kittens late at night and whisper, Ill be a mother again soon Its frightening, starting all over. My little ones are already growing up, and Ive forgotten so much. Do you think Ill manage?
Freda purred so noisily that Basil would come running, and Emily could only smile. Youre rightwhat am I thinking? This house is full of helperswell be just fine!
The very day she finally decided to tell James about the new baby, something happened to convince hereven after all this timethat nothing in life is accidental.
Basil had been missing for two days. Hed never vanished before, and Emily was genuinely anxious. She checked Gails old house, but no sign of him. Neither Veronica nor Arthur, who was making his rounds, had seen him.
Go to bed, Em. If hes hungry, hell scratch at the door, James tried to reassure her.
I cant! They say itll rain tonightwhat if hes caught out? Where is that naughty thing?
Hes a cat, love! Cats always come back. When hungry, anyway.
Ill lock him in for good! Hell never get out, not after this! Emily fussed, peering into the dark.
Eventually, she fell asleep in her armchairnever hearing Basil come back.
Hed not just returned; he was prowling round the house, yowling so loudly the whole street might have heardhad Emilys house not been so solid and the April air so chill shed closed every window. Only Freda, dozing beside her kittens, caught the sound. She stirred, sniffed, and suddenly sprang up, scratching Emilys leg.
Ow!
Emily, groggy, lashed out, then realised she was wide awake.
Oh, Freda, forgive me! Whats wrong with youwhy scratch me?
Suddenly, Emily caught the sound of a cat howling outside, and a whiff of smoke.
James! Kids! Fire!
She and Freda reached the childrens room at the same momentFreda nipped each child, waking them, while Emily grabbed her youngest with one arm and hustled the eldest towards James, snatching up the kittens basket as she ran.
The fire brigade were called by the neighbours, and arrived quickly enough to get the small kitchen fire under control. Basil dragged Freda out of danger, and soon the whole feline family sat together on the grass, shivering but safe.
All done! Youll be able to move back in once the smell clears. Good thing you woke up!
Emily, clutching Freda, nodded thanks.
James gestured for the kids to thank the firefighters, then hugged his wife. You alright?
Im okay
Are you sure? You sure youre alright? He rested his hand on her stomach and Emily caught her breath.
So you know?
How could I not? Im your husband, Em. Between us, thats twono, nearly three soon! What, did you think I wouldnt notice? Your nerves and all.
James, Im scared
Nonsense! What for? Youve got me, the kids, and half a dozen cats! Well manageno doubt about it. And weve got our home.
True…
Emily passed the cat to her husband, the kittens to the children, and lingered on the porch, looking up at the sky.
Thank you, Mrs. Benson, for all your kindness. Thank youFrom somewhere deep within, Emily felt a gentle warmth, as if an old friend was wishing her well from beyond. She stood for a long moment, the cool night air swirling around her, the scent of rain mingling with charred wood and springtime. In the garden, Mrs. Suttons window flickered with lamplighta reassuring beaconwhile Arthurs laughter drifted over the garden wall as he wrangled his own brood to bed.
Inside, James sang softly to soothe the children and the kittens alike, his voice mixing with purrs and sleepy giggles. The house, battered but unbowed, seemed to beckon her inits walls still holding the echo of Gails gentle advice, Mrs. Suttons formidable will, and the endless, messy generosity that came only with loving and being loved in return.
Emily drew a steadying breath. Life, for all its wearying habits and petty resentments, was crammed with unspoken acts of goodnessa neighbours flyer when no one else could be bothered, a teachers midnight call, a stray cat purring away her fears. It was the quiet acts, the unseen ones, that built a home.
Above, clouds broke to reveal a scatter of stars. Emily squeezed her hands together, feeling the pulse of new life within her, and whispered so softly only the night could hear: Were all right, arent we?
Basil gave a contented meow at her feet, Freda curled around her ankles, and from behind her, came the bustling, beloved chaos that was familylike a promise, shining through every ordinary day. Smiling, Emily stepped over the threshold and closed the door gently behind her, ready for whatever tomorrow might bring.
