Kindness Inherited: Acts of Goodness Passed Down Through a Will

Good Deeds by Will

Oh, Emily! Youre just in time! I havent the slightest clue what to do!

Emily dropped her heavy shopping bag on the bench outside the block of flats and let out a sigh.

Whats wrong, Mrs Abernathy?

Breathe, Emily, she told herself. Politeness, always politeness. Thats the only way with the elderly, even the difficult ones.

Everyone in the neighbourhood knew Mrs Veronica Abernathy was a handful. Youd be hard pressed to find anyone better at causing a fuss.

But why call her a lady?

Because her confrontations were delivered with the most gracious turn of phrase, yet she could drive anyone to the brink.

Dear, youre rather mistaken.

Im not your dear.

What a pity! In my day, it was a blessing to be called dear, but now Ah, lost generation! But, still, you should clean up after your dog.

And if I dont?

Then, my dear, the entire neighbourhood will know of you!

Those who didnt take such threats seriously, thinking them empty, soon learnt Mrs Abernathy was not one to trifle with. She acted, not just talked. By the next day, the offenders face would be plastered across the board of dishonourher name for each and every tree, lamppost, and noticeboard in the area.

With her neighbours help, shed learnt to use her printer; her pension and her sons support meant she bought paper in bulk. As she saw it, it was her solemn duty to bring order to the patch entrusted to her very self, and the trivial fines the local court occasionally slapped her with for her crusades didnt faze her at all. She turned up to every hearing, always with polite bows and apologies to the judge for the bother. No, she was no longer shooed off like a bothersome mosquito. She was an accepted, if inevitable, part of neighbourhood life.

Sometimes, people thanked her. Like the time she secured new storm drains for the whole borough, a feat that took nearly ten years of rows, letters, and sleepless nights. Once it happened, the neighbourhood went quiet. Even her old detractors begrudgingly acknowledged Mrs Abernathy was more than a simple troublemaker. Now, motoristsno longer risking their cars as submarines every downpourwould tip their hats when she hurried past, silently hoping their own faces wouldnt grace her sheets of shame. Everyone checked their conscience and heaved a sigh as she passed.

She targeted careless dog walkers who wouldnt pick up after their pets, mothers ignoring their little ones on the playground, parents who dodged child support, both quiet and rowdy alcoholics, and anyone who thought the basic rules of community life didnt apply to them.

Of course, she wasnt universally adored. One evening, heading home from her poorly sisters, she was ambushed in a dim alley. The thugs didnt hurt her longsomeone frightened them offbut it was enough to make her all the more determined. If shed angered someone enough for violence, then surely she was onto something!

Her bruises faded; the mended leg was never quite right. It twinged every time the weather changed.

But even there, Mrs Abernathy found a silver lining: At least I know when to take my umbrella! Isnt that rather a blessing?

Her assailants, caught quickly enough, got the harshest penalties. Every magistrate in town knew Mrs Abernathyshe was practically folklore by now.

The incident also landed her three friendly constables and a detective, contacts she sometimes called when her own efforts fell short.

Alfie, darling, I desperately need you! shed ring up the local bobby.

And Alfiea whiskered giant and, after buying his flat, Mrs Abernathys closest neighbourwould hurry at her call. How could he not? This peculiar, wiry, polite but terrifying lady had, in half a year, charmed Alfies wife, kids, and even his own formidable mother. This last had happened when Mrs Abernathy told her, Its hardly ideal, popping by your grown sons every day for this and that, is it?

My dear, did you not raise him properly?

How dare you! Im a wonderful mother!

Oh, Im certain you are! But if youve raised such a fine man, does he still need you to wipe his nose? You still do, dont you? Its such a shame when a child cant handle a bit of a sniffle on his own

Visits from Alfies mother declined dramatically, and the family finally breathed in peace. Gratitude towards Mrs Abernathy overflowed.

Emily, whod worked as a carer for several years, knew all about Mrs Abernathys ways. So she was surprised to see the indomitable old lady crying on the bench outside the flats.

Why are you in tears?

Emily your client Mrs Harris

Whats happened? Emily glanced, alarmed, at the familiar windows above.

Alfies with her now. Shes gone

Emily sank onto the bench. What a day!

That morning, the pipes burst at home, making the kids late for school, and then shed had a blazing row with her husband. She loved Richardworshipped him, even. Where else would you find a man who didnt drink, didnt smoke, loved his wife and kids to pieces, and earned a solid living? He was a rarity! At least, so her friends said. But she was the one living with him. Her nerves sometimes frayed, as they had today. All over a lightbulb she couldve changed herself!

Was it her nerves? Her age? Or just being a woman?

Nonsense! Shed simply lost patience. Shed asked him all week! She could have done it herself ages ago. Now shed have to make up and patch things overall this fuss for nothing. After all, someone could be here one day and gone the next.

Just yesterday, Mrs Harris had asked for cat food, and today

Emily burst into tears, resolving not to fight back the overwhelming tide.

Oh darling, here. Use a hankie.

The snowy handkerchief Mrs Abernathy pressed into her hands was almost exactly like the one Mrs Harris had given her for Christmas.

Its just a little gift, Emily. A small token of my gratitude.

Goodness, how lovely! Is that embroidery?

Yes. Your initials.

Its almost a crime to use something so fine for blowing ones nose!

Emily, its just a hankie. I wish I could give you more, but you know what my pensions like.

My gran always said the best gift is being remembered.

A wise womanyour gran. Is she still…?

No. My family’s just Richard and the kids now.

That is sad But dont get me wrong! Its lovely you have a husband and children, but I never managed either. Instead, I have swathes of relations who always thought they knew best for me. Sisters, brother, aunts and uncles, parents Everyone tried to help, but somehow, I ended up alone.

My choice was never good enough for them, nor was my judgment in their eyes. Not that its all their fault. But, Emily in the end, Im alone. Loneliness is dreadfulyou know? Humans arent meant for it, whatever people might say. Its terrible for me! Without my cats, I wouldnt know why I kept going. As my niece once said when I wouldnt let her move intaking up space on earth. My sister back her up, you knowher daughter needed my flat for university.

Why did you refuse? Wouldnt company have done you good?

Emily, I was being asked to give her not just a room, but the entire flat. Apparently, I didnt need it any longer, but she didto live in, study, have a family of her own! Preferably, in my home. What about me, you ask? Off to my sisters for a bit, then off to a home for the elderly. Shed even lined one up already!

I can’t imagine! Deciding for you as if you were a child! Are you?

Oh, they think Ive lost my faculties. Cant think straight, apparently. Once I could, now I cant.

With family like that, who needs enemies

Still, Emily, theyre my kin. I cant stop loving them. Ive already left the flat to my nieces and nephews. Equally, of course! I couldnt pick just one. But thinking about the division makes me ill. Most of all, I dread what theyll do to my catsthey loathe them. Threaten to dump them the moment Im gone. They say they’re rubbish

That wont happen!

Oh, Emily, theyre worse than you know!

Well, I dont want to know! But listenwhy not leave your cats to me?

What?

Yes! Cats are property. You can bequeath them. If anything happens, Ill look after them. A little inheritance of good deeds. Those poor whiskered creatures deserve better!

Emily! Youre an angel! Id never have thought of that. But such a burden

Nonsense! How could they be a burden? Whats the saying? A house without a cat is no home at all! Emily ruffled purring Basils ears and fended off Freddie, intent on her other hand.

Basil had lived with Mrs Harris for a decade, and Freddie had come recentlya pathetic little thing, rescued from outside the grocer by Mrs Abernathy and delivered with:

Gail, you know how to deal with strays. Ive got allergies! But what a tiny treasure! How could anyone toss out a creature like that?

Ill take her, Nicky, but its really the lastBasil was your present too, and hes the best! But I just cant manage a third.

I understand, Gail! Thank you

So Freddie stayed. Though weeks before Mrs Harris died, it was discovered that Freddie was no Freddy at all. Mrs Harris woke to a scramble one morning and gasped:

Freddies fortuneor is it Freddies blessing? she marvelled at the kittens Freddie dropped beside her. Beautiful babies! Well done, Freddie! Basil, you rascal, youd better be a good father or Ill have your whiskers!

Either Basil was cleverer than anyone thought, or nature worked in mysterious ways: he proved up to the role. Emily, on her next visit, admired the feline family:

Well! We always think we know everything, yet cant even tell tom from tabby! How didnt you realise Freddie was expecting?

I thought she was just eating well! Mrs Harris laughed till she teared. Emily, what do I do with the kittens?!

Ill help! Our gardens big enough. And if we need help, Mrs Abernathy will lend a hand. No one refuses her!

Now, thinking of the kittens, Emily jumped up from the bench.

What am I doing sitting here?! Theyll be starving

She collected her inheritance the same day. Alfie didnt object; in fact, he carried the basket to her door and asked,

Leave one for me, please. My kids have always begged, but mum hated pets. Now maybe we can Mrs Harris was a good soulher cats will be, too.

Of course! Which one? Emily lifted the old tea towel so he could see inside.

That ginger one!

All right, as soon as hes big enoughcome fetch!

Thank you.

Not at all By the way, wholl arrange the you know family?

Oh, yes, they turned upsaid theyre too busy. Ive to sort it all.

Emily almost dropped the basket. How could they!

That wont do! Ill see to it myself.

But youre not even family.

Thats where youre wrong! Ive known Mrs Harris for over five years. Is that not enough? Sometimes a few days are all it takes to know someones soul. Sometimes a lifetimes too short, even for blood relatives. I wont let Mrs Harris be neglectedshe earned better! Understand?

Alfie grinned and patted her shoulder.

You remind me very much of someone I know. Dont fret! Ill help.

Thank you Emily exhaled.

Trulywhat had got into her? Yelling like that. Her nerves were in tatters.

After locking the garden gate, Emily stood a moment on the winding path. The old house in the heart of town had been built by her grandad, a sanctuary for their family. It sheltered them in winter, cooled them in summer, and felt like home to all, because, like her parents and grandparents before, Emily knewthat a home isnt just walls. Its the people within.

So she truly didnt understand how anyone couldnt love their kin, or care for children, or look after the old.

At the top of the steps, she opened the door and nearly cried again.

The air smelt of something delicious, and her kids bustled in the kitchen. Richard peered out, saw her by the door, and rushed over.

Em, whats wrong? Are you crying? I changed that lightbulb! Came home early and did the tap, tooso your tulips will be coming up nicely. Dont cry, love!

I wont! Emily managed, sniffing hard, not bothering to dry her tears.

Whats this? Richard took the basket. Blimey, its heavy!

Cats Emily murmured, burying her face in his shoulder.

What? Show us! She revealed the kittens, and the kids erupted with squeals so loud, Richard had to quiet them.

Hush! Youll frighten the kittens!

Basil and Freddies brood settled in quickly. Basil even dragged the odd mouse up to the porch as rent for the household and a token for his new mistress. Sometimes Mrs Abernathy spotted him in her yard, perched in the old sycamore opposite his former home, calling faintly for the one who could no longer answer. The neighbours understoodhe was mourning.

Some evenings Basil sat there for a short while; sometimes, hours. Then he might not come home at all, or arrive so late that Emily would grumble softly,

Out all night! And I have work in the morning!

Basil, purring, would check on everyone in the house and finally curl up with Freddie and her kittens, purring them all to sleep.

Mrs Harris was seen off properly. Emily gaspedit seemed the whole borough came to say goodbye.

Who are they all? she whispered to Mrs Abernathy as they set up the table.

Her students. Gail taught physics, then tutored for university entrance. Did well, until her eyesight failed. Had to stop. But they remember. She was a lovely person

I know

Nine days passed. Forty

Emily would get up at night to let Basil in, pondering lifes brevity. She already knew why her nerves were frayed, why she felt nauseous every morning. A secret she kept, even from Richard, filled her days with a new purpose.

Shed sit with Freddie, stroking the kittens, whispering,

Soon Ill be a mum again Its scarymy own are grown and Ive forgotten so much. Will I cope?

Freddies purring brought Basil running and Emily smiled.

Really, what am I worried for? This house is full of helpers!

The day shed planned to tell Richard about the new baby, something happened to convince her even further that nothing in life is truly random.

Basil vanished for two dayshed never done that before. Emily was frantic. She searched Mrs Harriss old addressno sign. Neither Mrs Abernathy nor Alfie, whod been doing the rounds, had seen him.

Emily, go to bed, Richard said. Hell scratch at the door when hes back!

I cant sleep! They say itll rain. Hell get soaked, poor thing! Where can he be?

A catll come back for a meal, love. They always do.

Ill trap him indoors for good! Out gallivanting! I cant stand it! Emily said, peering into the night.

She fell asleep in her armchair and didnt hear when Basil finally returned.

But Basil hadnt just sneaked back. He yowled round the house with such ferocity, surely the entire town could hear. But Emilys garden was vast, the house walls stout, and a spring cold snap meant shed shut all the windows. The house was silentsave Freddie, snoozing with her kittens, who suddenly pricked up her ears, caught a whiff of smoke, and abruptly shrugged off sleep.

She leapt from her basket, dashed to Emily, and scratched her leg sharply.

Ow!

Emily, disoriented, tried to kick the cat away but finally woke up.

Sorry, Freddie! Whats wrong with you? Whyd you scratch me?

And then Emily heard Basils howling outside and noticed, faint but there, the smell of smoke.

Richard! Kids! Fire!

Her shout met Freddie at the childrens room. The cat darted to the beds and nipped first one child, then the next.

Up! Out!

Emily snatched her younger son, sent the older towards Richard, and ran, grabbing the kitten basket on her way.

The neighbours called the fire brigade, and they put the blaze in the shed out quickly. As they worked, Basil dragged Freddie out to safety, and the whole cat family gathered anxiously with their people.

All sorted! Itll smell for a while, but the house is safe. You woke up just in time!

Emily squeezed the cat in her arms.

Thank you!

Richard let the children thank the firemen, then hugged his wife.

You all right?

I think so

Are you sure? He put his hand gently on her belly. Emily gasped.

So you know!

Of course! Em, really! What kind of husband would I be not to see the change? Weve twonoalmost three kids now! I know your nerves, and everything else?

Rich, Im scared

Rubbish! What have you to fear? Youve got me, the children, a house full of cats! Well managedont you doubt it! And the house is safe!

Thats true

Emily handed the cat to Richard, the kittens to her children, and lingered a moment on the doorstep, looking up at the cloudy English sky.

Thank you, Mrs Harris, for all your goodness. Thank youI promise, we wont ever forget you.

A patch of blue broke through the clouds, and sunlight streamed across the garden, illuminating the tangled beds where Mrs Harriss tulips had stubbornly pushed through, vivid and bright. Emily noticed new shoots everywhereas if, somehow, the house itself was trying to start anew.

Behind her, the children chased the kittens in wild, dizzy circles, laughter echoing down the lane. Richard shepherded them all inside for cocoa, arms wide, voice gentle.

Basil paused on the threshold, looking back at Emily as if to say, Dont worry. Were home.

Emily followed, heart full. In her arms, the smallest kitten purred, eyes wide at the world.

Inside, the kitchen was warmscuffed and battered and perfectly theirs. Mrs Abernathy arrived not long after, bearing a basket of sticky buns and her sharp tongue, and soon the house brimmed with neighbors bringing flowers, condolences, and noisy, ordinary life.

As dusk fell, Emily lit a candle on the kitchen windowsill, just as Mrs Harris had, and watched the flame flicker against the glass.

For a long moment, Emily stood there, listening to the gentle hum of her family, the quiet purr of cats, the distant peals of laughter in the garden. Grief slipped, gentle as dusk, into the background, and gratitude took its place.

All around her, kindness kindled and spreadold loneliness giving way to new belonging, the simplest of good deeds passing from hand to hand.

The world felt, for a while, whole.

And as the first star pricked the sky, Emily realized: That was all any of them could ever hope to do. To notice, to love, to carry one another through the darknessone small, shining action at a time.