Everyone in the neighbourhood assumed that the girl was looking after her neighbours elderly grandmother for the inheritancebut, as usual, everyone was completely off the mark.
Kate never knew her fatherhed legged it not long after she was born, leaving her mum to pick up the pieces. She grew up with her mother and her granddad, who more or less filled every rolefather, best mate, comic relief. Life trundled on until her mum became ill with cancer, and disappeared from Kates life when she was just ten. That left granddad and Kate as each other’s whole world.
Her granny had died ages before her mum, so it was down to Kate and granddad. By the time shed entered adulthood, she was working, earning her own pennies, still living with granddad, and starting to play nurse as well as granddaughter. Hed grown so frail that even getting out of bed became a monumental undertaking, and Kate could see time running out like the end of a box set.
Kate, love, can I ask you a favour? he croaked one evening, eyes twinkling with the sort of seriousness that meant an actual favour was incoming, rather than a request for another cuppa.
Go on, then. What is it?
You know your grans best friend, Mabel? They were thick as thieves, those two. When your gran was still with us, she was always at Mabels, lending her a hand. When your gran passed away, I started popping round to see Mabel in her place. Kate, promise me you wont leave that lovely woman by herself when Im gone.
I promise, Granddad.
Naturally, he died the next day. Kate found herself truly alone, but a promise is a promise, so she took to visiting Mabels house, helping tidy up, making her a decent shepherds pie, trying not to trip over her ancient Persian cat. Oddly, though Mabel had relatives, none of them seemed bothered to check in or so much as send a card. Three years went by before Mabel herself popped her clogs, and thenmiracle of miraclesthe family tumbled out of the woodwork.
On the day of the funeral, the entire extended family had a very sudden fascination with corners, drawers, under the mattressone didnt need Hercule Poirot to guess they were looking for the will, or possibly a secret stash of £50 notes. Kate simply pocketed an old framed photo of Mabel and quietly slipped away.
The next day, Mabels sister turned up at Kates doorlooking awkward, like shed forgotten if she was supposed to ask for milk or forgiveness.
Kate, about all this Well, you see
Whats happened now?
Mabels left you something in her will. But you have to understand, youre not really well, youre not family, are you? I know I didnt look after her, but, you know, life gets in the way. Ill make it up to you, somehow, I promise.
Thats fine. Just pay me whatever you thinks fair.
Did Kate hand over the lot to Mabels family, out of guilt or obligation? Nope. She donated every last pound to the local childrens home instead. Proper English ending, reallyshe managed to do the right thing, keep her dignity, and still have a good story to share with the neighbours over a nice cup of tea.
