It must have been around eight oclock in the morning when the whole of the mans family gathered at the solicitors office, their hearts full of excitement at the thought that a wealthy relative had left them a considerable inheritance. As the solicitor was running late, the tension among those present only grew heavier. Roberts eldest daughter, anxious to find out whether she had been included in the will, could not hide her restlessness. Come now, aunt, show a bit of respect. We ought to be in mourning. After all, our father is no longer with us, said Mark.
Dont call me aunt. Im still youngcall me by my first name, the aunt said, a hint of irritation in her voice. Its rather amusing, thinking that paint and cosmetics will keep you young, Mark retorted, clearly annoyed.
At long last, the solicitor entered the room and took his place behind the desk. Surveying the family, he reached for a folder from a little side table. Are you all prepared for me to read the will? he asked gravely, to which the family nodded agreeably. Wearing a mysterious smile, the solicitor began to read out Roberts last testament.
I leave my estate to all of you. But not everyone will have their share delivered so easily. I have decided to set you a proper treasure hunt, as my own mother once did for me and my siblings. Your journey must begin in my childhood village. We did not have much money in those days, but we lived together and made do with happiness. As the eldest, my mother entrusted me with a chest, and in it are your treasures, though only the most perceptive among you will find the key. It is somewhere within the house, and it will not be easily found. So I can only wish you the best of luck! The room fell silent for several minutes as everyone tried to take in the fact that, even in death, the old man had left them a game to play.
The quiet was broken by Roberts eldest daughterhis aunt to some. My husband, the children, and I are off to the village at once. Anyone care to join us in the search for the key?
Mark and I will not go searching for any chest or keys. Knowing our father, things are never quite as straightforward, so Im sure theres another puzzle here. As for the money, we do not want it, declared Roberts youngest daughter.
The eldest daughter, her husband, and several other relatives set off for the village. They busied themselves with all manner of things: climbing up into the barn to search for clues among the animals, rummaging through the hay, and scrambling over garden fences. The villagers watched this spectacle with obvious curiosity. In the adventure, the designer gown worn by the daughter was reduced to tatters. Eventually, they managed to find the key, and with great ceremony, unlocked the chestonly to stare in amazement. Inside were a note and a pile of barley sugar sweets.
All my savings were given to charity, and you have received what you truly deserve. Thank you for bringing joy to my old friends in the village, read the note, signed in the late fathers hand.
