This week, Julia presented us with a one-word prompt – “legacy” – for the 100 Word Challenge for Grown-ups.
Legacy
It lands in your life with a thud. Legacy. Leg-uhsee. “Your great-aunt Alberta left you everything,” says the lawyer. “With conditions.”
I nod, but I want to scream Why? I never MET her!
“Apparently you’re the only relative who didn’t annoy her. At any rate, you get several hundred thousand. After taxes. But.”
“But?”
“You are required to live in her house. Um, it’s not habitable. You’re required to fix it. Empty it.”
Aunt Alberta, I learn, was a hoarder. Never gave up anything, until death dispossessed her. And now it’s all mine. Every silver teapot and used paper towel. My legacy.
A Number of Things 