A Kindness Left in Will
Oh, Ellie! Youre just in timeI dont know what to do with myself!
Eleanor set the heavy grocery bag down on the bench outside the buildings entrance, letting out a weary sigh.
Whats happened, Mrs Veronica Stevenson?
Keep calm, Elliepatience and politeness. It was the only way to deal with the elderly, even difficult ones.
And if anyone in the area was known for being difficult, it was Veronica Stevenson. The whole neighbourhood knew there was no one more formidable. Not that she was ever rudeher scoldings always came wrapped in the most scrupulous politeness, but she had a fearsome knack for driving anyone up the wall.
Dear, youre slightly mistaken.
Im not your dear!
Oh, what a shame! In my day, it was a compliment to be a dear. Now lost generations, truly! Anyway, you really must clean up after your dog.
And if I dont?
Well, then, darling, the entire neighbourhood will know about it!
Those who took her threats lightly quickly found out she was not to be trifled with. She didnt waste words, but acted. Anyone whod crossed Mrs Stevenson would find themselves featured on her notice board. That meant: every lamppost, tree, or community bulletin board in the area would be plastered with printouts of their photograph alongside a stern messageNot setting the standard!and a description of their misdeed. There were dozens of such flyers. Her neighbour had taught her to use a printer, and it worked reliably. With a sturdy pension and the occasional help from her children, she bought paper in bulk, considering it her duty to maintain order in her neighbourhood. Occasional small fines issued by the magistrate didnt faze her in the slightest. She attended every court session cheerfully, apologising to the judges for taking up their precious time. People no longer brushed her off as some annoying pest; depending on who you asked, she was either a necessary nuisance or a blessing.
She did, at times, earn the neighbourhoods gratitude. When her persistent efforts led to the council fixing the storm drainsa project that took ten years of battling red tapeVeronica earned newfound respect. After her victory, even drivers whod once cursed the endless flooding now smiled warily at her, secretly hoping it wasnt their own face she was holding on a sheet of paper.
Pet owners who didnt clean up after their dogs, parents choosing pints on a bench over watching their kids on the playground, feckless fathers dodging child support, both quiet and rowdy drunks, and anyone who thought the rules didnt apply to them: all fell under Veronicas watchful eye.
Of course, not everyone was pleased with her vigilance. Once, she was ambushed in an alley on her way home from visiting her ill sister. The thugs didnt stay longsomeone scared them offbut it left Veronica with a poorly mended bone that ached each time the weather changed.
But even that she took lightly: Well, at least my knee lets me know when to take an umbrella. How handy!
The culprits were rapidly found and given the sternest penalty. Pretty much everyone in the local police and council knew her by name by that point; her reputation was legendary.
The result of all this was a useful web of contacts: three community officers and one detective, whom she never hesitated to call.
Alec, dearest, youre an absolute necessity to me! shed say, ringing up the local constable.
And Alec, a moustachioed giant and, since buying his flat, now her next door neighbour, would rush to her aid. How could he not? In six months, this wiry, upright, and formidable lady had won the hearts of his wife, his children, and even his own muman achievement hed despaired of ever seeing. Veronica had been the one to gently explain to his mother that dropping in on her grown-up son every day was, perhaps, not so helpful.
My dear, havent you raised him well?
What do you mean! Im a wonderful mother!
I dont doubt it! But come now, if youve done such a marvellous job, does he still need his nose wiped by you? And a hanky, dear! The hanky!
Which hanky? Alecs mother would sputter, flummoxed by Veronicas sharp, almost fierce gaze.
Oh, your sons nose! If youre still catching his cold for him, its a sorry state when a grown man cant cope without his mum. What have we come to?
After that, Alecs mothers visits grew less frequent, and his household breathed a sigh of relief. Their gratitude toward Mrs Stevenson was boundless.
Ellie, a social worker with a few years experience, knew all about Veronicas local connections. Still, it was surprising to find the indomitable woman in tears, sitting on a bench, head bowed.
Whats happened? Why are you crying?
Ellie Your client, Mrs Grace Willis
What about her? Ellie glanced instinctively at the familiar windows.
Alec is there now. Grace has gone
Ellie gasped, collapsing onto the bench, barely managing to sit.
What a day. The morning started with a burst water main, making her kids late for school; shed had a blazing row with Ed, her husband. Oh, she loved Ed, adored himdidnt drink, didnt smoke, doted on his family, and brought home a decent wage: a rare find! At least, thats what her friends would always say. But she lived with him, and today the little disagreements seemed to bubble over. The whole argument had started over a stupid lightbulb she could have changed herself. Nerves, maybe?
Nojust foolishness! What a mess over nothing. What if, like Grace, youre here one day, and gone the next?
Only yesterday, Grace had asked her to pick up cat food, and today
Ellie tried to hold back tears, but they spilled over.
Oh, you poor thing! Hereuse my handkerchief.
A crisp white hanky floated into Ellies lap, and she wept even more, reminded of the very one Grace had given her for Christmas.
Its nothing much, Elliejust a little thank you from me.
Oh Grace, its beautiful! Is that embroidery?
Yesyour initials.
Goodness! Its too lovely to use!
My pensions not up to much, Im afraid. I cant give you anything grander.
My gran always said the best gifts are simply knowing someone cares.
A wise woman, your gran. Is she still with us?
No, Grace. The only family I have left is Ed and the kids.
Oh, Im sorry! Not that you have a husband and familythats wonderful. I just mean you see, I had neither, but plenty of relatives. All very eager to tell me how to live my life. Sisters, brother, uncles, aunts, parents the lot. All trying to help, but their help rather boxed me in, and now here I am, quite alone. My own fault as much as theirs, butEllie, loneliness is dreadful! Were social creatures. However strong we think we are, alone is not a good way to be. If not for my cats well, I dont know what Id do. One of my nieces said that Im just occupying space, waiting for a pair of slippers in the hereafter. My own sister was fumingit was all about my flat for her daughters college plans.
Why didnt you let her stay? Wouldnt it have been a bit lively, having family about?
No, Ellie, you dont understand. They didnt want a roomthey wanted the whole flat! I was to move in with my sister until a place opened up in a care home. Everything arranged, apparentlyno one bothered asking me what I wanted.
I dont understandhow can they make those decisions for you? Youre not a child!
They seem convinced I cant manage. That suddenly Ive become incapable.
With family like that, you hardly need enemies
Still, theyre my familyand I love them. The flat will go to the nieces and nephews equally in my will. But I worry for my cats. They all hate themswear to throw them out the moment I go. I dare not leave the flat to just one relative, and cant bear to think of them divided over it. But the poor cats will be put out on the street.
That wont happen!
Oh, Ellie, you dont know them
I dont want to! Do you know what? Leave the cats to me!
What?
I mean it! Pets count as propertywrite me in for the cats, just in case. Then if anything happens, Ill keep them and make sure theyre safe. A kindness written in your will. Cant let anything happen to those little dears if you love them so much!
Ellie, youre an angel! It never occurred to me! But thats quite a burden
Oh, rubbish! Whats life without a cat? As they say, a house isnt a home without a moggy. Ellie scratched purring Basil behind the ear while fending off inquisitive paws from the other one, Fred.
Basil had been with Grace for ten years, while Fred was a more recent foundling, rescued by Veronica, and swiftly rehomed with Grace. Her gifts of cats were not infrequent:
Gracie, you know what to do with this little scrap. I cant, allergies, you know! But the poor mite! Look at itjust a babe.
Oh, Vee, Ill take care of him, but this will be the last! Basil was yours, too, remembermy best and dearest present. But I cant manage a third.
Understood, Graciethank you.
In time, Fred turned out to be a Frederica, and, shortly before her death, presented Grace with a litter. When Ellie heard, she promised to help home the kittens. My garden is big, so Ill find them all places. And if not, Veronica can helpno one dares tell her no!
Now, remembering the kittens, Ellie jumped up: What am I doing? The poor things will be hungry
She collected her inheritance later that day. Alec, the neighbour, offered to help with the basket, asking tentatively, Could you leave one with me for the kids? My mum never allowed pets, but now we can. Grace was a good womana good cat must have lived with her.
Of course! Which one? The ginger?
Yes, please.
As soon as hes old enough, hes yours.
Thank you. And what about the arrangements? Any relatives stepping in?
Oh, yes said theyre too busy. Told me to sort it myself.
Ellie almost dropped the basket in disbelief.
Ill see to everything. Grace was my friendfive years is enough, I think, to call someone that. Sometimes, even a day or two is enough to know a good soul. I wont let her pass without a proper farewell. She deserves better.
Alec smiled and patted her on the shoulder. Youre just like Mrs Stevensonyouve got her spirit. Dont get worked up. Ill help.
Ellie nodded her thanks, chiding herself for the outburst.
Securing the garden gate, she paused on the path, looking up at her house in the centre of townthe family home built by her grandfather, which had sheltered generation after generation. It wasnt just bricks and mortar, but the people living within.
How could anyone not care for their own?
Inside, she was greeted by delicious smells and childrens chatter. Ed leaned in from the kitchen.
Ell, whats with your face? Anyway, Ive changed that bulbsorted the tap while I was at it. Soon your tulips will be up, and you can water them to your hearts content. Dont cry, love.
Ellie smiled through tears, handing him the basket.
Whats this thenheavy!
Cats Graces cats. She rested her head against his chest.
What?!
Look! She pulled back the towel, and the kids, flying in from the kitchen, screamed in delight, forcing Ed to hush them before they scared the kittens.
Basil and the others quickly settled in. Basil did his bit, bringing in mice and showing loyalty to his new owner, though he often slipped away to perch on the treetop by his old home, meowing mournfully for Grace. The neighbours didnt complainthey understood he was grieving.
Grace was given a dignified farewell. Ellie was startled by how many former pupils and colleagues came to pay respects.
Who are they all? she whispered to Veronica, who was arranging sandwiches.
Students. Grace taught physics, then tutored for university entry. She did well until her eyesight failed. Had to stop tutoring, but lookthey all remember her. She was special.
I know
Nine days passed, then forty Ellie would let Basil in at midnight and muse on the passing of time, uncertain whether to share the secret shed kept even from Eda new life was on the way, filling her with both hope and fear.
She stroked Frederica and whispered, Soon Ill be a mum again its daunting. My own kittens are grown nowI worry Ive forgotten how. Do you think Ill manage?
Frederica purred so loudly that Basil would trot over, and Ellie would smile to herself.
Why worry? Full house of helperswell manage!
But as she prepared to tell Ed the news, something happened that reminded her: nothing in life is ever truly an accident.
Basil went missing for two days. That had never happened before, and Ellie was near frantic. She checked Graces house, asked neighbours, even Veronica and Alec who hadnt seen him.
Ellie, come to bed, hell come scratching, Ed tried to reassure her.
I cant sleep! Its raining soonhell be drenched!
Oh, love, cats come and go as they please. If he gets hungry, hell find his way home!
Ill lock him in! Never let him out again! fretted Ellie, peering into the night.
She nodded off in her chair, not hearing Basils return. But Basil wasnt just homehe was yowling outside, frantic. The house was insulated, and Ellie had closed all the windows against the sudden April frost, so the family slept on.
Frederica, curled up with her kittens, suddenly pricked up her ears, sniffed the air, and shook herself awake. She darted to Ellie and scratched her leg.
Ow! Whats wrong, Freddy? Ellie startled awake just as Basils cries reached herand the faint scent of smoke.
Ed! Kids! The house is on fire!
Her shout jolted Frederica, who leapt to the childrens beds and gently nipped them awake.
Up! Out you come!
Ellie scooped up her youngest, Ed gathered the others, and Ellie grabbed the basket of kittens as they rushed out.
The neighbours had called the fire brigade, who quickly contained the blaze in the extension. As the firefighters worked, Basil herded Frederica to safety, and the whole feline family sat shivering with their owners.
All set! Itll pong for a bit, but the house is safe. You woke up just in time! a fireman said.
Thank you, Ellie managed, hugging Frederica close.
Ed shepherded the kids to thank the fire crew, then wrapped his arm around Ellie.
You alright?
I am
Are you sure? He placed a hand on her belly and she gasped.
You know?
Of course! Love, Im your husbandyou really think I dont recognise the signs? Two kids, almost three! I know you inside out.
Im scared, Ed
No need, love. Weve got each other, the kids, half a dozen cats Well manage! And the house is still standing!
Ellie handed the cat to Ed, the kittens to the children, and lingered on the porch, eyes raised skywards.
Thank you, Grace, for your kindness. Thank you
Looking after those we love, human or furry, is the greatest inheritance of all. Sometimes, the smallest acts of kindness echo further than we could ever imagine, reminding us that, above all, our true home lies in the warmth we give each other.
