A True Legacy

A True Legacy

Sibyl Barker signed for the shoebox sized package and tipped the delivery person. She carried it to her rococo desk and sat down.

“Now who could this be from?” she asked herself curiously.

Then she caught the scent that took her back to her childhood. Peppermint, lavender and Pond’s Cold Cream. Instantly her eyes filled with tears.

“Nanny Barker left me something? She had so little, what could it be?” she said aloud as she wiped her streaming eyes. She removed the pink string that always marked a gift from her beloved Nanny. Even the paper, although brown, was printed with roses. When she got to the inside box, she had to smile.

“Most of a roll of parcel tape, as usual.”

Using a letter opener and scissors, she finally got it open. Inside, amidst real popcorn packing material were three things. A ring box, a camera and a letter.

She was intrigued and thought the letter might explain things. She took it out first.

“Dearest Sibby: I hope you enjoy this last gift from me. Enclosed is a ticket for singles cruise to Hawaii which I hope you’ll take at once. The camera is to make memories of the trip. Please take a chance on someone among the passengers. Take a lot of pictures but pick one. You’ll know who. When you find the lasting love I had with Grampa Barker, use what’s in the jewel box.”

She picked up the camera and saw that it was digital. Then she took out the small velvet box. Upon opening it, she gasped. Inside, freshly cleaned, was her Nanny’s engagement and wedding set. She was mesmerized by the diamond sparkle of it.

Sybil carried her legacy upstairs, box and all. After she stopped sobbing, she began to pack.