Summary

An elderly woman, the heart of a zero-waste community, orchestrates a heartfelt farewell to her neighbors, who are the true beneficiaries of her legacy, while her biological family is excluded from her will.

Abstract

The narrative centers around an old woman who is the matriarchal figure of a self-sustaining, zero-waste community. She spends her days in tranquil reflection, enjoying the simple pleasures of nature and creativity. Her evenings are filled with community engagement, such as hosting dinner parties and sharing her literary works. The woman's life is a testament to her values of environmental stewardship and communal bonding, as she has built a family out of her neighbors, who embrace a lifestyle of sharing resources and minimizing waste. In a poignant turn of events, she leaves her estate to these neighbors rather than her biological family, emphasizing the depth of her connection to her chosen community.

Opinions

The author expresses a deep appreciation for the protagonist's lifestyle, which is centered around sustainability and community.
There is a sense of admiration for the woman's ability to find joy in solitude and the natural world, as well as in her interactions with her neighbors.
The narrative suggests that the concept of family can extend beyond blood relations to include those with shared values and lifestyles.
The protagonist's decision to bequeath her possessions to her community rather than her biological family indicates a strong opinion on the importance of chosen family and the legacy one leaves behind.
The author seems to advocate for a lifestyle that prioritizes environmental responsibility, as evidenced by the community's principles of zero wastage and off-the-grid living.
There is an underlying message that wealth and inheritance should reflect one's personal connections and values rather than societal expectations of familial obligation.

FICTION | CREATIVITY | LIFE

An Idyllic Zero Wastage Community**

Nurtured under the loving tutelage of an old woman

Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh: https://www.pexels.com/photo/tropical-landscape-of-luxury-villas-on-beach-resort-14024057/

She sat on the stone bench for hours, looking at the sunset as if asking for guidance on how to go out with panache. The glowing light faded away, leaving the sea dark and serene as a sign for her to get up and leave.

Picking up her scattered items- a book, notepad, a pen, and the easel; she started walking home. On the way, the cats were eagerly waiting for some food and warm hugs. Laughing aloud, whispering a little, she seemed so relaxed and happy.

A few hours were spent reading a book putting on the lights on the patio, and listening to the sounds of the night. Then it was time for bed, where she pondered upon the question-would it be tonight when her soul would get freedom from this body.

The sunlight bolted her from the bed in seconds as there were cats to feed, plants to water, birdfeeders to fill, and tea to be made. Being alive brought a weary but sweet smile, and she decided to send out the open invitation for a dinner party.

After a long time, she went to the shopping mall to get a new dress, treated herself to a spa day, and then went for a movie in the nearby theatre. Before she started writing fiction and crime thrillers, romantic movies used to be the preferred genre, and handsome John Stewart remained her favorite leading man.

The entire neighborhood was invited for dinner that night at her house, so she hurried back home to get ready for them. Augustus Zeller was waiting for her outside when she got home and greeted her with a big hug.

“So nice to see you. Thank you for sending me on this amazing vacation to Machu Picchu. We loved it so much, and Aileen sends you her love.” Augustus said after planting kisses on both cheeks.

“Lovely to hear that you guys enjoyed yourself. My absolute pleasure. Augustus.” She replied smilingly.

Both of them went inside, and soon the guests started arriving as the Sun was setting on the beach. Augustus gathered everybody together after dinner in the back garden, where the caterers served the tea. She came silently from the dining room with a large pile of envelopes that she handed the guests without saying anything.

“Please open them when you get home. Not here. I’ve enclosed a small gift to thank you for being my family for many years. Maybe, it’s not much, but that envelope has a small piece of my heart, too.” She said with tears sliding down her cheeks.

All of them rushed to her, giving kisses, hugs, and more tears. They knew it was time to say the last goodbye, which made each guest more emotional, but they kept the sadness aside for the time being.

It was indeed a memorable evening for the friends and family of this incredible seventy-year-old woman who had made them so happy for so long.

She had bequeathed all her to these strangers who had come down that evening. The real family wasn’t even informed of her death or the funeral. They heard about the death in the media just like the strangers, and from their lawyers that her will did not give them even a dime.

The community she had built thrived after she left for her heavenly abode with principles that they had adapted and contributed wholeheartedly to. One of the defining factors of this group of families was that they never asked questions about anybody’s lineage, wealth, status, or background.

Anyone could come to live in their midst as long as they could abide by the rules to remain completely off the grid, share surplus energy and extra food, and believe in zero wastage lifestyle.

Sincere thanks to Denise Larkin for giving my creative pieces a safe haven in her publication ❤️❤️ :

Write for The Lark

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**I promise to buy this island as soon as I win the lottery. All of you are invited to stay there free of charge as long as we’re making the planet safer and working for green energy. ❤️❤️ Forever grateful to everyone for your precious time and generous support. Stay blessed, motivated, and live your life to the fullest. ❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏🙏

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