Chapter 5: A Strange Arrangement
One afternoon, while I was carrying groceries home after work, Mrs. Rhode called to me from behind her fence.
“You live nearby, James?”
“Couple houses down.”
She looked me over carefully. “You want to make some decent money?”
I stopped walking immediately. “Doing what?”
She opened the door and waved me inside. “Come help me. We’ll discuss payment over tea.”
The tea tasted like boiled grass clippings, but she got straight to the point.
“I’m dying,” she said matter-of-factly.
I nearly inhaled my drink.
“Oh, stop looking horrified. I’m eighty-five, not immortal. The doctor says maybe a few years, maybe less. I need help. Groceries, rides, medicine, repairs.”
“And in return?”
She watched me quietly for a moment. “When I’m gone, what’s mine becomes yours.” It sounded insane, but I needed the money… Continue Reading ⬇️