Anna Had Been Resting in Bed for Several Days, Unable to Get Up—No Pain, Just Dizzy Spells, Complete Weakness, and No Desire to Leave the Covers

Anne had been in bed for several days, unable to muster the energy to get up. Nothing really hurt; her head felt a bit foggy, she was bone-tired, and, frankly, she just couldnt be bothered.

Whats the point? Anne mused. Ive ticked all the boxes: raised my children, seen my parents off on their final journeys. Now I just seem surplus to requirements. Time had dashed past like a double-decker on the High Streetone minute blinking, the next gone.

She glanced about her room with supreme indifference. Here and there, wisps of cobwebs hung like delicate bunting from the ceiling. Her gaze shifted to the window. Beyond, her once-proud vegetable patch was now a wilderness of weeds. As dawn stretched lazily across the sky, Anne closed her eyes and slipped into sleep.

In her dream, she saw her mum. Anne was startled; shed only appeared to Anne once before, three years ago, right after her funeral. Mum looked at her with gentle fondness, arms extended as if she wanted to envelop Anne in a comforting hug, brushing her hair like she used to. Yet, something invisible stood in the way.

Sweetheart, her mothers voice floated over to her, tomorrows your last day

Anne was yanked out of sleep as if catapulted by an unruly toaster. She leapt out of bed, trembling.

Last day? Already? Since when did it come so early? Anne howled into the emptiness.

Instantly, she pictured herself lying in this very bed, decidedly lifeless. The kids would come, relatives too, a few nosy neighbours thrown in, no doubt. The house was a tip, the garden looked like something out of a horror film, and there was nothing to eat. Anne darted around like a squirrel whod misplaced its acorns, at a total loss as to where to begin.

In the kitchen, she grabbed a mixing bowl and threw together a dough: By tea time itll rise, Ill bake some pies. If Im still here, that is.

She filled the washing-up bowl, seized a cloth, and declared war on every speck of dust and every stray slipper. Once shed tackled the hoovering, she wiped her brow and announced: Well, there you are, the place is presentable!

Next up, the garden. Anne rampaged, oblivious to the growl in her stomach or the throb in her knees. One thought beat like Big Ben in her head: Last day! Last day! Only when shed pulled the very last weed did she realise her legs were rivaling the Tower of London for stiffness.

A little rest wouldnt hurt. Later, later she muttered, dashing back inside, remembering her risen dough.

Soon, hot pies were lined up on the kitchen table.

When the children descend tomorrow, they can have some tea and these lovely pies, think of dear Mum, Anne said, tears hitching her usually brisk voice. Might as well try one now My word, theyre as light as a feather!

She sank into the chair by the window, reflecting: You know what? Life is actually rather nice, when youre not dead yet.

Well, nothing left to do but lay out the last suiter, dress, really. She sifted through her wardrobe and picked out her new frock, still with the tags, of course.

At the mirror, she did her hair and dabbed on some makeup. Slipping into the dress, she gave herself a once-over.

Cor, you look a treat! Far too good for a coffin, you should be heading out for a date!

But one doesnt argue with fate. She lay down, preparing for the grand finale. Shed barely settled in when the sound of a car pulling up outside interrupted the performance. A horn beeped.

Probably visiting the next-door lottheyre always having visitors, Anne thought.

Moments later, a knock rapped at the door. And again.

Could it be the kids? She peered out; no, the car was unfamiliar.

Now, that is a posh set of wheels! she muttered. Who gets lost on this cul-de-sac? With a sigh, she headed to the door. Unhooking the latch, she opened up to find a well-dressed, surprisingly attractive man waiting on her step.

Look at this onedressed like hes off to a wedding, she thought.

Are you Anne? he asked.

Thats me

Im here for you. Sorry, got held up on the way

Is there something you need? Anne squinted.

Er, yes the man stuttered, evidently unsure of himself.

You must be mistaken, I dont know you.

No, no, I am here to see you. Do forgive me for dropping in unannounced, and so late.

Yes, a bit late for social calls, isnt it?

Apologies again. I lost track of time and Im not from around here, got thoroughly lost. Im Stephen, by the way. I just wanted to meet you.

Anne thought, Well, that wasnt on my schedule today.

How do you know me? she prodded.

I sent you a friend request on Skype. Youre not often online, so I tracked you downdont ask how, Ill tell you later. So I came.

What am I supposed to do with you? Anne wondered.

Stephen, youll have to excuse me, but I dont do introductions these days, and I have no desire to change my life. Best be on your way.

Quite right. I should have rung ahead. Sorry, Anne. Goodbye.

He was halfway to his car before turning back to hand Anne a rather posh box of chocolates.

My apologies.

Then he retreated to his car.

Suddenly Anne felt uneasy, even a tad sorry for this stranger. After all, hed probably not had a bite all day.

Stephen, wait. At least come in for a cup of tea.

His face lit up; he dashed back cheerfully.

Would love that, Anne.

In they went.

Hands, please. Towels there.

Anne poured the tea, set the pies out.

Fancy something to eat? she asked.

If its not too much trouble.

Not at all, tuck in.

Anne realised she was absolutely famished herself. Thankfully, there was enough to feed Westminster.

To your good health! they said in perfect unison and burst out laughing.

For the first time in forever, Anne enjoyed food. Something about this odd, charming man felt comforting. Stephen turned out to be delightful conversation, and in no time Anne felt like shed known him since primary school.

Anne, just say if you need a hand with anything, Ill help, he offered.

Anne eyed his shiny shoes and suit and grinned.

Help? Oh, absolutely. The garden sheds collapsing, and my fenceand the floor inside could do with rebuilding, not to mention the oven.

Stephen considered for only a moment.

Ill see to it all, I promise.

He began to collect his bits.

Thank you so much for everything. I wont ask to stayyoure quite right, that would be improper. Goodbye, Anne.

Goodbye, Stephen. Safe journey!

Anne tidied away the last crumbs, sat for a moment, then headed to bedor rather, to her fate.

Sleep found her instantly, likely exhaustions doingshe had been on the go since sunrise.

That night, Mum was there waiting.

Oh, darling, why did you run off yesterday before I finished? Today was your last day of being alone. We know how much you hated it, so we decided to send you an angel to keep you company. Dont turn him away, hell look after you. And mind, dear, be good to him.

Look after who, Mum? Your angel has already scarperedtoo much work, I expect!

Mum kissed her and faded into the bright light.

At absurdly early dawn, the rumble of a lorry parked outside shook Anne awake. She peeked out to see a truck piled high with building materials. Another rolled up, men jumped out and started unloading the lot in her driveway.

Well, this is new. I didnt order a thing, Anne huffed, poised to scold everyone sharply, but then she spotted Stephen directing where everything should go.

Once theyd finished and the lorries left, Anne went outside in disbelief.

Well, Ill be! Enough to build a whole house!

By lunchtime, another van arrived loaded with iron sheets and wood.

Thats fencing! Anne gasped, recalling how she had envied the neighbours splendid new fence.

Workmen got straight to work, Stephen included, doing far more than just pointing and shouting orders.

Anne marched up.

Stephen, what on earth do you think youre doing?

Now, Anne, dont fret, leave it to us. Head inside, its chilly.

Anne was utterly at sea. Life had taught her not to trust blokesshed had two, and both had proved unreliable. Shed sorted everything out for herself so long, she genuinely had no idea how to react to kindness.

Still, work moved at the speed of a British Bank Holiday queue. In a matter of days there stood a newly built fence, a shiny new shed, repaired floorboards, and a much-improved range. Yet Anne remained convinced Stephen wanted something.

What does he want? Money? Should I pay him something?

Not that she had much.

Ill give him what Ive got, the rest when I can.

When Stephen came in, weary but pleased, Anne said, Stephen, Im ever so grateful, but I dont even know why youre doing all this

Anne, dont mention it. Truly.

She pressed coins into his hand.

Go on, take it. Not much, but I owe you.

Anne, really? I couldnt possibly.

Go on, a fair days pay for a good days work!

Stephen left. Moments later, she heard his car driving away.

She dashed out of the house, but he was gone. Not that day, not the next, not even the following week did he return.

Anne simply didnt know what to do with herself. An ache sat, bold as brass, in her heartshed fallen head over heels for this man, just as if she were a schoolgirl.

Why did I insult Stephen? What am I supposed to do without him? she thought, convinced shed known him forever.

She trudged along the lane, not entirely sure where she was going. Her neighbour, who could sniff out gossip faster than a spaniel on sausage rolls, stopped her.

Anne love, dont turn that man away. Look what hes done for you! Hes a good un.

He left ages ago, Anne replied glumly.

Trying to kid a kidder, are you? the neighbour grinned. His cars been parked up at the village turn since last night.

Where, where exactly? Anne blurted.

Up by the turn-off to the village

But Anne was already halfway there, dashing for Stephen. Alas, neither car nor Stephen was anywhere to be found.

She was just mocking me, Anne decided, trudging home.

That night, Anne tossed and turned. She wrapped herself in a blanket and slipped outside. The air bit, but she stayed put, knees pulled up, on the step.

Why am I so wretchedand such a fool? she wailed to the garden gnome.

Then, at last, the tears burst out.

Suddenly someone rushed up, swept her off the step and into a hug, peppering her with kisses.

Anne, no need to cry! Stephen pleaded.

Stephen, where have you been? Why did you go?

I never really left, couldnt bear to, because I love you.

And I love you, more than life.

Anne clung tighter to her angel, sent (with a bit of help from Mum) from the heavens above.

Thank you, Mum! Anne whispered, this time through tears of utter happiness.