John fried some potatoes and opened a jar of pickled gherkins. Today marks a year since Helen passed away. Suddenly, theres a knock at the door. Youve come, he smiles warmly, seeing his neighbour Vera on the doorstep, and invites her in to sit at the table. They sit together in quiet reflection, sharing memories of Helen. Suddenly, John pulls an envelope from his pocket.
Vera, this envelope was given to me by Helen before she left us, John explains, handing it to her.
But its for you, Vera says, surprised.
Read it, and youll understand, John replies gently.
Vera opens the envelope, reads the letter, and gasps.
Veras son-in-law has promised to pick her up from her cottage Saturday morning. Its a shame to leave, but its late October now. The water is turned off for the seasontime to return home.
Vee-ra! Vera Watson, are you in? John Smith, her next-door neighbour, knocks on the door.
Come in, John. Im still here, just packing. My son-in-laws coming in a couple of dayshell probably complain Ive got too many bags. But what can I do? Most of them arent even mine, just the harvest Ive gathered. I dried loads of applesit was a great apple year. Gherkins, chutneys, jams. I cant just leave them all behind. I did it for the familywhat do I need, really?
I know what you mean, Vera. Im heading home a bit later myself. I like it hereautumn is beautiful. Helen always loved autumn. Anyway, the reason I came by… do you remember how we used to wrap up the summer together, all of us? Your Sergie was still with us, we were young, and the children were so little. Our plots were tidy back then, apple saplings that seemed theyd never grow. Now its all overgrown. What I was going to saytoday is a year since Helen passed. Id like to remember her. Its hard to be alonewould you come over? Ive cooked some potatoes. We can sit together and talk about Helen. And I need to discuss something with you if you dont mind. Will you come?
Of course, John. Here, take these pickled gherkins. Ill be over in half an hourIve just got things everywhere.
Their families have been friends for years. They built their little houses side by side, planted gardens together, helped each other out. Every summer, birthdays were always celebrated outside as one. Summer felt like another life that they lived together. Nowadays, Veras grandchildren spend the summers with her, so shes never lonely. Her Sergies been gone seven years now, but John and Helen were always there as neighbours. Well, they wereHelen passed last autumn. Shed been so proud to lose some weightlooked like a model, she laughed. And then… things changed. This summer, John seemed lost. He toiled in his garden, dug over the beds, though Helen wasnt there to plant anything. Vera hardly saw her grandchildrenthey were always away on this trip or that. Still, she kept busy, planting and watering, always something to do.
Vera sighs, changes her cardigan, and heads next door, just like she promised.
John is waiting for her. On the table: fried potatoes, tomatoes, Veras gherkins opened and ready.
Come and sit, Vera. The children are coming tomorrow. Tonight, lets remember Helen together. Look, I found some old photos. See? Sergie planting a cherry tree with you. Here, weve just come back from mushroom pickinglook at all those baskets! And thats a barbecuesee the fire, and Helen squinting at the camera. John pours a small glass of sherry. Lets have a toast. To Helen, and to your Sergie. They sit in silence for a moment, crunching on gherkins.
Then John takes an envelope out of his pocket.
Vera, dont be shocked, but please hear me out. Last summer, Helen faded before my very eyes. We left the cottage in August, but she never fell into despairshe was always strong. We spent our days together, talking about all the wonderful moments of our life. It was as if we were living it all again. We watched old films, chatted for hours. One day, Helen asked something of me: John, promise me youll do something for me. Its my last wish; just promisedont argue. We both know whats coming. Then she gave me this envelope. Imagine, she wrote it on purpose, knowing Id keep it safe. Here, read it for yourself, John says, handing the envelope to Vera.
But its meant for you
Just read it, John insists, and Vera unfolds the paper, Helens handwriting clear.
John, my darling, what can I doIm leaving early. But life still goes on. Please, live for the both of us. I want you to find happiness again. It doesnt mean you have to forget me, not at all. I simply cant bear the thought of you being sad. I dont want to look down from above and see you struggling. Dont feel guilty to be happywe both loved life so, didnt we? And please, dont stay alone. If you meet someone new, especially if it should be VeraIve always thought you like herknow that I support it, I really do. Shes a wonderful person and will understand. Ask her to share your lifeit’s for the best. Together, you two will manage. We never gave up on life beforeplease, dont now. Be happy despite everything, John. Yours always, Helen.
Vera reads the letter again, glances up at John.
I promised Helen Id do what she wished. Id tell you and you could decide. Vera, lets give this a go. We have a warm friendshipthats rare. Theres nothing to be ashamed of, and its a sin to give up on happiness. Please, be my wife, Vera. I promise, you wont regret it.
Vera is speechlessso unexpected. She looks at John and realises theres something genuine in his words.
Alright, John, Ill think about it. Ill tell my son-in-law Im not ready with my packingthat Ill stay another week.
And thats what they decide. John walks Vera home.
That night, Vera cant sleep. Such a big choice, her whole life seems to pass before her eyes. Before dawn, she dreams of Sergiehes smiling, almost laughing, as if to say: Well, what are you waiting for? Life is easier together. Marry John, and thats that. Im not against itin fact, Im glad you wont be alone, Vera.
The following summer, Vera and John removed the fence between their gardens. Grandchildren from both families now played togetherthe more, the merrier. John even built a swing. Vera planted all sorts in the new, bigger plotplenty for the whole family. The girls loved helping their granny in the garden, and she made each one a little patch of their own. Every weekend, the grown-up children dropped by, pleased to see their parents supporting one another, happy not to be alone.
Maybe some would judge them, but Helen and Sergiewatching from aboveare smiling. The last wish to be happy has come true. And no matter what, life continues.
