Good Deeds According to the Will

Good Deeds in a Will

Oh, Emily! Youve shown up just in time! I really dont know what to do!

Emily put her heavy bag of groceries down on the park bench and took a deep breath.

Whats happened, Mrs. Veronica Stephens?

Steady, Emily! Rememberpatience and kindness above all, especially with the elderly, no matter how difficult they may be.

And everyone in the neighbourhood knew that Mrs. Veronica Stephens could be a right handful. It would be hard to find anyone more famously cantankerous.

Why call her a lady? Because all her carry-on was so impossibly politeand yet, somehow, she could drive even the most balanced person to the edge.

My dear, you arent quite right.

Im not your dear!

What a pity! In my day, it was a compliment for women to be called dear, and now…well, nothings sacred! Lost generation, thats what. Still, you might want to clean up after your little dog.

If I dont?

Then, my love, the whole street will know about you by teatime!

Those who thought her threats were empty learned quickly that Mrs. Stephens meant business. Not with more words, but with actions. By the next day, anyone whod crossed her would find themselves plastered all over her wall of shame.

That was her phrase for every tree, lamp post, and noticeboard in the area. Shed stick up leaflets with offenders faces and that ever-familiar phraseWe are not proud!followed by the details of their misdeeds. There were dozens of leaflets. Her neighbour had shown her how to use the printer, and it ran without fail. Thanks to her decent pension and the help of her distant family, she bought paper by the ream. She considered it her primary duty to maintain order in her part of town. The occasional paltry fines from the council never fazed her. Shed show up to every hearing, greeting the magistrates with a cheery apology for taking up their precious time. People stopped dismissing her as a harmless irritantinstead, she was viewed as necessary, depending on whether one was on her good or bad side.

Sometimes, she was even thanked. Like when, thanks to her tireless efforts, the council finally fixed the broken storm drains across the neighbourhood. That battle lasted nearly ten years, littered with late-night phone calls, furious letters to officials, and endless sleepless hours. When she finally won, her neighbours exasperation softenedthey realised that Mrs. Stephens was much more than a troublemaker. Motorists, whose cars finally stopped flooding with every passing rainstorm, would tip their hats politely to Veronica as she hurried by, wondering if their faces would soon appear among her flyers. Each silently reviewed their own “transgressions”, breathing a sigh of relief when she passed them by.

She had a go at dog owners who didn’t clean up after their pets, mothers who ignored their rowdy children on playgrounds while sipping cider on benches, delinquent dads dodging child support, both the quiet and the rowdy alcoholics, and anyone who decided the rules just didnt apply to them.

Not everyone was delighted, of course. Once, Mrs. Stephens was followed down a dark lane late one evening, returning home from visiting her ailing sister. She wasnt beaten for long; someone frightened off her assailants, but it was enough to redouble her efforts. If her actions had rattled someone that much, she was clearly on the right track!

Her bruises faded, but her broken leg never quite healed properly and would ache whenever the weather changed.

Still, Mrs. Stephens found a silver lining:

At least I always know if I need my umbrella! Isnt that marvellous?

Her attackers were soon identified and received the harshest penalty possiblethe magistrates knew Mrs. Stephens by reputation as much as any official. If anything, her notoriety gave her useful connections with three local constables and a detective, whom she wasnt shy about calling whenever she needed.

Alfie, dear, youre an absolute necessity! shed say into the phone to the constable.

And Alfiea mustachioed giant, who by fortune and Mrs. Stephenss encouragement had recently moved next dooralways hurried over to help. After all, this peculiar, prim, polite but astoundingly fierce woman had, in a matter of months, won over not just his own wife and children, but even his mother, whom Alfie once considered untamable.

It happened when, with a grateful heart, hed finally moved out from his mothers stifling home into his own place. It was Mrs. Stephens who told his mum, Its not the best idea to barge in on your grown son every day for no reason at all, you know.

My dear, did you not raise him properly?

How dare you! Im a wonderful mother!

Ive no doubt! But if you did such a fine job, does he still need you there every minute, blowing his nose for him? Surely you can trust him to manage a cold on his own at his age. What children weve got these days! How sad, having to micromanage their sniffles. My sympathies, dear!

Needless to say, Alfies mothers visits quickly dwindled, and peace was restored.

Emily had worked as a care worker for several years, so shed heard plenty about Veronica and her connections. Thats why she was so surprised to spot the formidable lady crying on the bench outside their building.

Whats the matter?

Oh, Emily… Your client, Mrs. Grace Benson

Whats happened?! Emily shot a worried glance at the window.

Alfies with her now. Grace is gone…

Emily gasped and practically collapsed onto the bench from shock.

What a day. That morning, the water main outside her house had burst, making her children late for school. After that, shed had a dreadful row with her husband. She did love Tom, a rare breeddidnt drink, didnt smoke, doted on his family, worked hard and brought home a decent wage. A treasureor so her friends said. But she was the one living with him. Sometimes you just have to let your emotions out, like today. And if she were honest, the reason for their row was laughablea blown lightbulb. She couldve replaced it herself, as shed done before. Must just be stress… hormones?

Nonsense! Shed nagged him for a weekshouldve just sorted it herself. Now, here she is, feeling petty after such a stupid fight, when all along, life is so fragile. Grace Benson was here only yesterday, asking her to pick up cat food; and today…

Emily dabbed at her eyes, then burst into tears as she remembered.

Oh, my dear… You poor thing. Here, have a hanky.

A flawlessly white handkerchief appeared on Emilys lap, and she bawled even harder. It looked so much like the one Grace had given her at Christmas.

This is for you, Emily! Just a little gesture of thanks.

Oh, its beautiful! Is that embroidery?

Yes. Your initials.

Its almost a shame to use it; its so lovely!

Emily, its only a handkerchief. Im sorry it cant be anything more, but I think you know about my pension.

My gran used to say, the best gift is being remembered.

She was a wise woman, your gran. Is she still with us?

No, its just me, Tom, and the kids.

Thats a shame. Dont get me wrongfamily is a blessing. I never had one of my own. No partner, no children. But plenty of relatives telling me exactly how I should live. Sisters, a brother, uncles and aunts… Always eager to help. But their help turned out to be more trouble than it was worth, and now Im on my own. My own doing, I suppose, but… loneliness is a dreadful thing, Emily. People arent built for it. If it werent for my cats, Id wonder what I was even alive for. One of my nieces called me a waste of space when I wouldnt let her use my flata place she wanted while she studied at a top university. My own sister was furious, saying her daughter needed the flat more than I did.

Why didnt you let her stay? Wouldnt it have been company for you?

Oh, Emily, you dont understand. They didnt want me to offer a spare roomthey wanted the whole flat, and for me to move out. My family thought, why would I need a home? It should go to the young, to start a family. I was meant to move in temporarily with my sister, and thenshed already found a care home for me.

I cant believe anyone would try to decide that for you! Youre not a child!

They questioned whether I was capable of looking after myself, let alone managing property. As if I just suddenly lost all my sense.

Theres no betrayal like family Still, theyre yours.

Exactly. And I love them despite everything. Ive written my will to leave the flat to the nieces and nephews equally. I just worry what will happen to my catsthey all hate them, threaten to throw them out first chance they get. Whod want those mangy things? they say.

That wont happen!

You dont know them, Emily.

I dont want to! You know what you can do?

What?

Leave your cats to me in your will.

Hows that possible?

Well, as far as I know, pets are property. So, if you explicitly leave them to me, I can look after them. That way, theyre safe. Itll be a special sort of good deed by will. No ones going to harm them while Im around!

Youre an angel! The thought never occurred to me. But are you sure its not too much trouble?

Not at all! How could you call them trouble? A house without a cat is just not the sameisnt that what they say? Emily said while scratching Vasily, the purring tabby, and fending off the playful Fedor on the other side.

Vasily had lived with Grace for years, while Fedor, a scraggly kitten found by Veronica outside the corner shop, had joined the household only recently.

Grace, you know best how to care for this poor miteI cant with my allergies, but I couldnt just leave it out there! Look how tiny it is. Who could abandon such a little wonder?

Oh Veronica, Ill do this for you, but pleaseno more. Vasily was your best gift, but a third cat I honestly cant afford.

I hear you, Grace. Thank you

So Fedor stayed. Although, as it turned out, Fedor was not male at all. Just weeks before these sad events, Grace awoke to a pile of kittens on her bed and exclaimed,

Fedorinas litter! Or maybe her happiness, after all? Beautiful babies, well done! Goodness, Vasily, you rascal. Dont think being a good dad gets you out of trouble!

It seemed Vasily took to fatherhood naturally. Emily would join Grace and admire the feline family.

Imagine! We think were so clever, and yet we cant spot the difference between a tom and a queen! How didnt you guess she was pregnant?

I just thought Fedor was eating well! Grace would laugh, tears in her eyes. But what on earth shall I do with these kittens?

Ill help you. My gardens big enough, and, if needed, well ask Mrs. Stephens. No one ever says no to her! Dont worry, well manage.

And now, remembering the litter, Emily jumped up.

What am I doing still sitting here? The kittens must be starving!

Emily collected her inheritance the very same day. Alfie didnt objecthe even carried the basket home for her.

Could I have one of them for the kids? he asked shyly. Mum never wanted animals in the house. Grace was a kind woman, her cats must be lovely.

Of course! Which one?

That little ginger one!

Done. Hes yours when hes weaned.

Thank you!

Not at all. By the way, has anyone come to arrange Grace’s things? Any relatives show up?

Oh, theyve no time. Ive been told to sort it myself.

Emily nearly dropped the basket.

I wont have it! Ill see to it all myself.

She wasnt family to you.

Thats where youre wrong. I knew her more than five years. Sometimes a few days is enough to become someones friendand a lifetime with family isnt. I wont let her be buried by strangers. She deserves more than that, you understand?

Alfie gave Emily a soft smile and patted her shoulder.

Youre starting to sound just like someone else I know. But dont get worked upIll help.

Thank you, Emily murmured, suddenly exhausted.

Why was she snapping at people lately? Her nerves were shot.

She locked the garden gate and lingered on the path. The old house, right in the heart of town, had come from her familybuilt by her granddad, it was always warm in winter, cool in summer, and deeply welcoming. Emily, her parents, and their parents before them always knew a home was more than bricks; it was people.

How could anyone not love their own family, cherish their children, care for the elderly?

She headed up to the porch. The kitchen smelled of bakingand her children were playing noisily. Tom popped his head round the doorframe, spotted her standing in the hall, and rushed over.

Whats wrong, love? You look like youve had a day. I changed that lightbulb, you know. Came home early and did the tap out back as well. Your tulips will be up soon, you can water them to your hearts content. Dont cry, love.

Im not! Emily sniffed, wiping her eyes with the back of her hand, no longer hiding her tears.

Whats this, then? Tom took the basket from her. Blimey, thats heavy!

Theyre cats. Emily leaned into his shoulder, finally feeling safe.

Sorry, what?

Look! Emily lifted the towel from the basket, and the children shrieked with delight. Tom had to shout to calm them down.

Steady on! Youll frighten them!

The cats quickly took to Emilys house. Vasily, ever dutiful, even brought her the odd mouse as payment for his keep, and sometimes, she would see him sat in the old ladys garden, gazing up at the empty window and softly calling for Grace. The neighbours never complained, suspecting he was mourning his former owner.

Sometimes, Vasily was gone for just a few minutes. Other times, hours. On those days, he either didnt come home at all, or crept in so late Emily would mutter as she let him in.

Out all night! Ive got work in the morning!

Vasily would give her a grateful little rub before patrolling the house and, only when satisfied the family was asleep, snuggle in the basket with Fedor and the kittens.

Grace Benson was given a fitting send-off. Emily gasped in surprise at how many people came to pay respects.

Who are they? she asked Mrs. Stephens, who was busy setting out plates for the mourners.

Her students. She taught physics. Did tutoring, toowas quite successful, until the eyesight trouble. Then she stopped working. But as you see, she was remembered. She was good folk, Emily.

I know.

Nine days. Forty…

Emily would get up at night, letting the cat in, thinking about how short life is, and how fast it flies. She already knew why she felt jittery and why she was queasy in the mornings. This little secret, kept even from Tom, filled her with hope.

Shed gently stroke Fedor while watching the kittens, whispering, Ill be a mum again soon… Feels daunting, doesnt it? My others are all big now, and you forget things. Will I cope?

Fedors purring grew so loud Vasily would hurry over, concerned. Emily would smile.

Really, what am I worried about? The house is full of helpershow could we not manage?

On the day Emily decided to tell Tom about the new arrival, something happened to show her that nothing in life is coincidence.

Vasily didnt come home for two daysnot like him, and Emily was genuinely worried. She walked to Graces old houseno sign. Veronica and Alfie, whod been doing rounds all week, hadnt seen him.

Go to bed, Emily. Hell come back and scratch at the door, Tom consoled her.

I cant sleep! Its going to rain. Hell get soaked. Where could he be?

Emily, hes a cat. You know what they saythey wander where they will. If he gets hungry, hell come home.

Ill lock him in! Put him under house arrest! she fretted, peering out into the darkness.

She fell asleep in her armchair, not noticing Vasily’s return.

But this time, he came back yowling, racing round the house, so loud it seemed the whole town should hear, but Emilys big garden, thick house walls, and the snap of an unexpected April frost had her shut the windows. Indoors, all was silent except Fedor, sound asleep with the kittensuntil she suddenly pricked up her ears, sniffed the air, and roused herself.

She leapt from her basket, dashed to Emily, and swiped her ankle.

Ow!

Emily, bewildered, half-kicked at the cat, before fully waking.

Oh, Fedor, whats got into you? Why did you scratch me?

Then she heard Vasilys desperate cries and suddenly caught the faintest whiff of smoke.

Tom! Kids! The housefire!

She caught Fedor by the nursery, where the cat just then nipped both her sons to wake them.

Up you get!

Emily grabbed her youngest, nudged the eldest to Tom, and dashed out, rescuing the basketful of kittens on the way.

The neighbours called the fire brigade. They arrived promptly, quickly putting out the blaze that had begun in the shed. While they worked, Vasily helped Fedor out, and soon the whole feline family was huddled safely on the lawn with Emily and her family.

All dealt with! You can move back in once the smoke settles. You were luckycould have been much worse. Good thing you woke up in time!

Cradling Fedor, Emily nodded, Thank you.

Tom motioned for the children to thank the firemen, then turned to hug Emily.

You alright?

Im fine

Really? Are you sure? He rested a hand on Emilys belly, catching her by surprise.

You know?

Of course! Emily, come on. I am your husband. Weve two kidsno, nearly three! Dont you think Id notice? All these nerves, and everything else?

Tom, Im scared…

Nonsense! What is there to be scared of? Youve got me, the children, half a zoo of cats! Well manage. And the house is safe!

Thats true…

Emily handed Fedor to Tom, the kittens to the kids, and paused on the steps, looking up at the sky.

Thank you, Grace Benson, for your kindnessthank you…And as Emily watched the clouds drift away, a shaft of sunlight fell right across her garden, painting the smoke-stained tulips gold. She smiled, heart fullnot just for herself, but for Grace, for Mrs. Stephens, for every person whod ever done a quiet good deed and wondered if it would matter.

A familiar flutter caught her eye: Vasily, regal as ever, strode between her feet and paused, purring, then looked up as if to say, Everything in its place. All is well.

And for the first time since shed gotten the news, Emily truly believed it. Graces good deeds lived ona basket of kittens, a rescued family, neighbours who dropped their grudges to stand together under a smoky dawn. Even Mrs. Stephens, standing in the street with her wall of shame leaflets fluttering in her wheeled trolley, dabbed her eyes with a crisp white handkerchief, giving Emily a nod of approval.

Emily gathered her family, old and new, and led them inside to a house that, though marked by fire and loss, now glowed with warmth and memory. Love filled every brick, multiplying with each good deed passed from hand to hand.

Life moves quickly, but sometimesif youre luckyit circles back with a gentle reminder: kindness, once given, never truly disappears. It settles itself softly into the world, curling up between the familiar and the unexpected, purring you gently onward.

Emily listened to the laughter from her kitchen and wiped a tear from her cheekthis time, full of gratitude. She didnt know what tomorrow would bring, but she knew she, and all those she loved, would meet it with hands and hearts open.

Out in the garden, Vasily leapt onto the fence, tail flicking. For a moment, he gazed at the empty window that once belonged to Grace, and then, as a breeze played in the lilies, he bounded homewardwhere the kettle was singing, the children were waiting, and a legacy of quiet goodness was already beginning again.