Mrs Wilson 12 – Zombie Vegetables

6

Mrs Wilson comes over to say thank you.

 

Part of the Mrs Wilson series.

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Mrs Wilson had been away for a long weekend to visit an out-of-state friend. She’d left her garden in the care of her neighbour and friend Ken Hutchinson, knowing that her precious roses and hostas couldn’t be in safer hands.

When she arrived home, exhausted but happy, she went straight out into her back garden to take a walk around her domain and check all was well. It took her a few moments to realise that something looked different. Her fence had been painted – a lovely forest green colour.

Painting the fence every couple of years was a job her late husband used to do regularly and one which she had taken over, but the last couple of years she had slowed down just a little and fence painting had become a chore she couldn’t face. She felt herself welling up at Ken’s thoughtfulness. No doubt Dave had been cajoled into helping.

She had brought them back a little present from her trip, intending to drop it around later in the week. Now, she felt compelled to go straight away and say thank you. She hurried inside, unpacked the two small boxes and left the house. She could see Dave’s car was now parked behind Ken’s and smiled. Perfect timing.

She walked up the stairs and knocked on the door.

*****

Hutch was just trying to explain why he didn’t want to watch a movie about zombie vegetables attacking people when there was a knock at the door. “Saved by the bell – or knock,” he muttered gratefully to himself. Hopefully, Starsky would forget all about the movie and they could play monopoly instead. He hurried out of the greenhouse and went to answer the door. His face broke into a smile when he saw Mrs Wilson and he kissed her cheek then said, “Come in! Did you have a good trip?”

Before she could answer, Starsky came up behind him and said almost the same thing, “Mrs W! Great to see ya! How was your trip?”

The old lady bubbled with joy as she answered, “Oh it was just lovely. I had a wonderful time catching up with my old friend…but it’s good to be home. I went straight out into my garden and saw what you’d done. I’m so grateful to you both. I got you a little present each but it doesn’t seem like a big enough thank you.”

They both smiled at her.

“We’re glad you’re pleased,” Hutch said. “You don’t need to worry about thanking us.”

“Well, thank you anyway,” she said as she handed them each a box of cookies. “These are from an independent bakery near my friend’s home. Hope you like them.”

“Chocolate chip? What’s not to love?” Starsky said, immediately opening the packet and sampling one. “T’riffic!”

Hutch smiled. “Real stem ginger pieces? That’s one of my favourite things. Thanks, I’ll have one after dinner.”

“You’re very welcome. I’d best be off.”

As she turned to go, Starsky nudged Hutch and they exchanged looks.

“Do you want to have dinner with us? I bet the last thing you want to do is cook. I made more than enough chicken stew.”

“Oh well, I couldn’t -”

“-Yes, you could,” Starsky said as he took her elbow and led her back into the apartment. “We’re going to watch Zombie Vegetables after dinner if you want to stay.”

Hutch grimaced. He’d forgotten that Mrs Wilson also liked trashy monster movies!

“Oh, that’s very kind of you but I won’t stay. I think I need an early night. But you should definitely watch it. Great movie.”

Starsky looked triumphant while Hutch sighed deeply. He knew then that he was doomed to watch zombie vegetables taking over the world.