Anne had been lying in bed for several days, utterly unable to get up. Nothing particularly hurt, really. She just felt woozy, drained, and the very thought of getting out of bed seemed more ridiculous than ever.
Why bother? Anne wondered, Ive done all the important things one is meant to do: raised the children, said farewell to parents. Now I exist, apparently, without any proper business about me. The years have flown by quick as a blink.
She hadnt the slightest desire to do anything. Anne glanced around her bedroom and noted the dust threads hanging from the ceiling like particularly uninspired bunting. Her gaze landed on the window, beyond which stretched her little gardennow completely overrun with weeds. As dawn broke, Anne closed her eyes and drifted off to sleep.
In her dream, she saw her mother. This startled Anne, as her mum had only appeared to her once before, right after the funeral three years ago. Her mother smiled gently at her, hands outstretched, clearly desperate for a comforting hug and to smooth Annes hair as she used to, but an invisible barrier kept her from doing so.
My darling girl, her mother spoke, tomorrow is your very last day
Anne was promptly flung from her sleep, sitting bolt upright and trembling.
What do you mean, last day? Is that italready? That cant be right! Anne shrieked into the empty room.
Her mind immediately conjured up a morbid tableau: she, lying lifeless on this very bed, children, relatives, nosy friends and neighbours all gathered round with the house in a state, the garden a jungle, and not a proper crumb to eat. Anne began flapping frantically about the house, unsure what disaster to tackle first.
Charging into the kitchen, she quickly knocked up some dough. By evening itll have risenIll bake some pies. If I live that long, she muttered.
She filled a washing-up bowl with water, grabbed a rag, and purged the dust from every corner. Anything out of place was hurriedly set right. Then, energetically, she attacked the kitchen floor.
There! Anne gasped. The house is finally presentable!
Next, the garden. She darted about like a woman possessedhunger and exhaustion entirely forgotten. Only one refrain beat through her head: Last day! Last day!
It was only after wrenching the last stubborn weed from the last overgrown bed that Anne noticed her legs ached dreadfully.
I should have a sit down. No, that can wait, plenty of time for resting later
She remembered the dough and dashed indoors. By now, the pies were baked and steaming on the table.
Well, at least the children will have a cuppa with pies and remember their dear old mum tomorrow, Anne said, her voice quivering as she taste-tested. Oh, theyre lovelyfluffy as anything!
Anne perched by the window, musing: It really is rather splendid to be alive in this troublesome world.
But things had to be done, didnt theytime to prepare for her own final journey. Anne rummaged through her wardrobe, wondering what to wear. She settled on a brand new dress shed never had a proper occasion for.
She sauntered up to the mirror, coiffed her hair, put on a dash of makeup, slipped into the chosen frock, and appraised her reflection with some surprise.
Honestly! I look so good, I ought to be going to a wedding, not a funeral!
But you cant argue with fate, can you She lay down, determined to die. Alas, she didnt get the chancea car rumbled up outside and tootled its horn.
Neighbours again, Anne thought. They did seem to have visitors constantly.
Moments later, someone knocked. And then again.
Could it be the children already? She peered out. No, the car was unfamiliar.
Crikey, what a motor! Anne muttered. Someone must be lost. She went to the door, unlatched it, and opened it up. On the step stood a quite handsome, well-dressed gent. She gave him the once-over.
All dressed up, as if for a wedding! she thought.
Are you Anne? he asked.
I am
Im here to see you. Sorry, got delayed on the road
Do you need something? Anne was puzzled.
Well, yes The man hesitated.
You must have the wrong house.
No, no, reallyits you. I do apologise for the surprise visit.
Well, its a bit late for calling on strangers, dont you think?
I know, I know, I lost track of timeIve come all the way from the other side of the county, and got lost besides.
Seeing Annes bewilderment, he pressed on:
Im Simon. I wanted to meet you.
I had rather different plans for today, Anne thought. How do you even know me? she inquired.
I sent you a friend request on Skype ages ago, but youre hardly ever logged in. Well, I managed to find youdont ask how; Ill explain everything. I decided I had to come.
What am I supposed to do with you? Anne wondered.
Simon, Im sorry, but I havent been looking to meet anyone new for years, nor do I want to change my life. Youd best head home.
Yes, youre probably right. Should have phoned first. Goodbye, Anne.
He hurried off to his car, then halfway there, he glanced back and handed Anne an expensive box of chocolates.
Forgive me.
And he headed to his car again.
Anne felt awkward, almost sorry for the strange fellow. Hed spent all day on the road. The poor man must be famished.
Simon, hang oncome inside, at least let me make you a cup of tea.
He brightened at once, hurrying back.
With pleasure, Anne.
Inside, she pointed him towards the sink. Wash your handstowels over there.
Anne poured the tea and brought out the pies.
Bit peckish? she asked.
If its no trouble.
Dont be shy, tuck in.
Anne realised she was ravenous herself. She quickly set the tableluckily shed cooked loads.
Bon appétit! they both said at once, then laughed.
For the first time in ages Anne enjoyed a meal. For some unexplainable reason she felt perfectly content and calm with this complete stranger. Simon turned out to be delightful company. After an hour, Anne felt shed known him her whole life.
If you need anything, Anne, just say. Ill help, Simon offered generously.
Anne eyed his outfit and grinned slyly.
Help? As it happens, I could use some. The sheds threatening to keel over, the fence is barely standing
Simon pondered this, then nodded seriously.
Dont worry, AnneIll sort it.
He started gathering his things.
Thank you I mean it, thanks for everything. I wont ask you to stay the nightI know its not proper. Take care, Simon.
Goodbye, Anne. All the best!
Anne cleared away, lingered a bit, and eventually went back to bedwith the intention of dying, of course.
Sleep claimed her at once; no surprise, given the exhausting day.
Darling, why did you run off yesterday, before Id finished?her mother was waiting for her in her dream. Today was your last day alone. We know its hard for you, so were sending you an angel of sorts. Dont turn him away. Hell look after you, and you look after him, my dear.
Look after whom, Mum? Your angels run offprobably terrified by all the work.
Her mother blessed her, then vanished into the light.
At the crack of dawn, Anne was startled awake by the noise of a lorry. She peered out to see a tipper truck stacked with building materials pulling up to her house. Then another followed, out came several men, and they began unloading wood.
Whats going on? I didnt order anything!
She considered running out to shoo them, but then spotted Simon directing the proceedings.
Once all was delivered, everyone left.
Anne went outside.
Flipping heck! You could build a whole house with this lot!
By lunchtime, yet another lorry arrived, offloading metal panels and other bits.
Thats for a new fence! Anne realisedthe neighbour had one just like it. Anne had always admired its spiffy new look.
The men set to work without delay. Simon worked alongside them, handling tools like a pro as well as calling the shots.
Anne wandered outside:
Simon, honestly, why are you doing all this? she protested weakly.
Dont trouble yourself, Anne. Itll all be alright. Go insideits nippy out here today.
Anne felt utterly at sea. Life had trained her not to trust menshed had two and things hadnt worked out with either. She was used to sorting everything herself; no one ever looked after her. She hadnt a clue how to process this.
Yet, the work proceeded marvellously. Within days, a smart new fence and shed were up, her floors were fixed, even the old fireplace mended. Still, Anne suspected some hidden motive.
What does he want? Money? But I havent got enough for all this.
Ill give him what I have, and the rest when I can.
When a tired but pleased Simon came in, Anne said:
Simon, Im so grateful. I honestly dont know why youve done all this for me
Oh Anne, pleasedont be silly.
She held out what cash she had in crisp £20 notes.
Please, take it. Its not much, but Ill repay you.
Oh come now, Anne. Theres no need. None at all.
Take it. Labour should be paid for.
Simon left. A few moments later, Anne heard his car start up.
She rushed outside. He was gone. He didnt return the next day, nor the next, nor the week after
Anne was at a loss. Her heart ached as though someone had stuffed a brick in her chest. She couldnt think of anything or anyoneshed fallen head-over-heels for Simon, just as if she were a lovesick teenager.
Why did I drive him away? What am I supposed to do now? She felt as if shed known him all her life.
She trudged down the lane, not really knowing where she was headed, until her neighbourwho, as always, knew everyones businessflagged her down.
Anne, youd be mad to let that man go! Look at all hes done for you. Blokes a proper catch.
Hes long gone, Anne replied gloomily.
Oh, pull the other one! the neighbour grinned. His cars been seen at the bend just outside the village. Overnight and everything.
Where? At the bend? Anne repeated, suddenly hopeful.
Yeah, just at the turn
But Anne was already running. She sprinted in the hope of seeing Simon. But there was nothingno car, no Simon anywhere.
She was pulling my leg, Anne concluded, slouching back home.
That night, she couldnt sleep for anything. Wrapping herself in her tartan blanket, Anne went and sat on the step in the gardens cold night air.
Why am I so hopeless, and such a fool? Anne wailed out loud. Tears began to flow freely, unable to hold them back any longer.
Suddenly, someone rushed over, swept her up, and began planting kisses all over her face, wet with tears.
Anne, pleaseno more crying! Simon begged.
Where have you been? Why did you leave?
I never really left. I just couldnt. Because, well, I love you.
And I love you! More than anything in the world!
Anne clung tightly to her angel, sent straight from heaven.
Thank you, Mum, Anne whispered, and wept againbut this time, from sheer happiness.
