Celia bawled her eyes out and snot dripped down her nose . She’s never been one to sob softly into a handkerchief.
She had known that the end was close, but the news still hurt badly and tears swam in her eyes as she read the letter.
“Dear Celia, thank you for these years of love and care. For bringing warmth to the heart of an old lady. I’ve come to see you as the daughter I never had and would like to bequeath these items to you. Please accept them with all my love.” Celia Oldham.
As usual, she had come for her visit at the hospice where she spent time keeping the old folks’ company; listening to their stories, reading to them and sneaking in an occasional toffee.
Over time the deceased became her favourite. Mrs. Oldham took to her when she learnt that they shared the same name and looked forward to the visits. She always took the pains to dress nicely in a frock, cardigan, pearl set and a gemstone ring that she wore on her third finger. Mrs. Oldham had no surviving family. Her sweetheart died during the war and she never remarried.
Inside the little box was a battered, old diary, the pearl set, the ring, a purple scarf, a bank draft for $200,000 raised in her name and the last book they had been reading – Jane Eyre.
© Jacqueline Oby-Ikocha
Thank you, Jade for the photo and Priceless Joy for hosting this charming platform where we unleash our stories
Note: PJ please, I crave your indulgence for having overshot the word limit. I chopped and snipped the story here and there yet it refused to get shorter.
Wonderful story.
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Thank you Charles. Glad you enjoyed it.
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I love a happy ending.
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Me too. I am a sucker for happy endings. Thank you Bernadette 🙂
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Wonderful story Jackie!
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Thank you Mel.
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A sweet story Jacqueline.
xxx Gigantic Hugs xxx
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Thank you David 🙂
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Very touching and beautiful story, well done.
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Thank you Iain. My appreciations.
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What a sweet story! ❤
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Thank you Diane. I felt like something with a happy ending.
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I’ll indulge you Jackie that way I get to enjoy the whole story!! 😉 Very touching and dear story!!
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Thank you Deb. I appreciate your comments 🙂
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You’re very welcome!! It was all my pleasure.. 🙂
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Beautiful story. What a beautiful way to bring joy to both parties.
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I love happy endings Deb. Thank you 🙂
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Stupendous ❤
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Thank you 🙂
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Lovely story, Jackie.
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I am glad you like it 🙂
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The story had a mind of it’s own! lol…just goes to show that Jackie’s writing refuses to be put in a box!
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Honestly, sometimes I just let the story tell itself, I give up running after it 🙂
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Aw, this is a wonderful story. Especially because the elderly people who died were the reason she was there, to visit them. She doesn’t seem to expect anything so receiving this money, the pear set etc. Is such a gift from this women. They must have been extremely special to each other. Great write Jacqueline!
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Thank you Mandi. I wanted a happy ending. She gave her love and care and they surprised her in return.
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Even without the money, this confirms my belief that no act of kindness is ever wasted.
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Nope! Never wasted.
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