Work Text:
Hester slammed the front door shut and collapsed at the dining room table. One lesson that life taught her was that grief seems to find you at the most inopportune times. She heard the heavy footsteps of her husband coming down the stairs, but could not bring herself to pick her head up to greet him. She felt his calloused hands begin to rub circles into her shoulders.
They sat there like that for a while, Hester weeping quietly into her arms and Bevan whispering assurances and comforts. When the tears finally stopped, John was the first to speak.
“Would you like to sit out in the garden, my love? There’s a surprise for you.” Hester lifted her head and nodded. John offered his arm and Hester gladly accepted. They strode in tandem to the steps of the back porch where Hester, squinting, caught sight of his “surprise”. She let out a gasp, grabbing hold of the railing for support.
“John…you didn’t.” John shook his head.
“No, I didn’t. Someone else did. I was told to give this to you.” John fished a note out of his breast pocket. Hester made it down the steps and took hold of the note with shaking hands.
Hester—
I was told that roses held a special place in your heart. Fortunately, I have experience with propagation and gardening. You have good taste, roses are one of my favorites too.
Your chest tissue donor,
M
Hester stifled a laugh with her hand and beckoned John toward the newly flourishing rose bushes.