TASTE FOR LIFE
An eightyyearold granny with a shock of blue hair was perched in a solicitors office in London, tapping her foot impatiently.
What can I do for you today? the solicitor asked.
Just a will, dear, she replied.
Very well.
The old woman settled deeper into the chair and began to dictate.
Upon my death Id like my brain sent to a research institute. If they decline, let them say it came from Agnes Whitaker. All my cats at the time of my passing should go to my friends. If I have no friends left, the cats will pass to my son, Tom. Any books that no one wants should be donated to the library I strongly recommend at least leafing through them first. Three years ago I misplaced the cash Id hidden in one of those volumes. I bequeath Tom the right to scatter my ashes on a hill in the Scottish Highlands”
The solicitor choked on his tea.
Excuse me, where exactly?
In the Highlands, the Highlands
But thats half the world away! Why such a hassle?
The hassle is the ninetofive grind and that endless lunch hour. He never gets out of the office because of it. I was the same once, now I regret it. He still has his whole life ahead, and travel makes life brighter it changes a person. He wont be the same man when he comes back. Let him cross half the world; Ill be watching his return to the office. No one can drag him back without a little help, and thats what Ill do after Im gone I dont want to rot in a garden plot. Better to have a flight to Scotland, dont you think? she mused, and the solicitor pursed his lips.
Next, the granny continued, I want my beloved cat Milly burned with me, just like they used to do in the old days Im joking, Im joking! Its just that you look a bit odd, so I thought Id give you a little scare
Startle me?
Give you a shake, the old woman smiled.
Effective. And the rest of the estate? Movables? Immovables?
Ah, the flat and the motorbike go to Tom. I dont actually own a motorbike yet, but Ive signed up for lessons and will buy one soon, so note that down too. My scooter, however, I leave to Stanley Nicks, provided hes still breathing. Hes been eyeing it forever. The last time we rode together he smashed it into a tree”
When the granny finally left, the solicitor announced a short break. The image of the bluehaired visitor kept looping in his mind. He reread the will, rubbed his eyes to make sure he hadnt imagined the whole thing, stared at the towering stack of papers, and then grabbed his phone.
Hey, Max, fancy a trip? Ive always wanted to get off to Africa
