A last line writing exercise from 2017

 

 

Write a short story ending with the following last line. “Bryan pocketed the note and realized that it had all been worth it.”

 

Bryan sat back on his heels and cast a critical eye over the freshly painted cabinet door.

“Pretty good,” he said, smiling.  “Didn’t know I had a talent for being a handyman.”

“Are you finished?”  Mrs. Jones shouted in his ear.  She was looming over his shoulder.

He winced and shook his head.  “Almost done, Mrs. Jones.”

He sighed as she shuffled back to the kitchen table and took a seat.

How had he ever gotten himself into this situation?  he thought.  It was all his wife’s fault.  She had mentioned to Mrs. Jones how handy he was around the house, and the next thing he knew he was doing odd jobs for their neighbor.

The day dragged on, as Bryan tinkered, hammered, and fixed one neglected area of Mrs. Jones’ house after another.  Finally, he was able to escape.  He stumbled home to collapse on the couch.   He was so tired he fell asleep.  Later, the sound of the doorbell woke him.  His wife went to answer it.

A warm fragrant smell preceded her, as she walked back into the living room, bearing a plate of his favorite cookies.  Bryan realized he was starving and snatched a cookie and took a bite.   Mouth full, he glanced at his wife, one eyebrow raised in a silent question.

She handed him a note and sat the plate down on the coffee table within easy reach.  He unfolded the paper and read.

Dear Bryan,

          Words are not enough to express my thanks for your help today.   I so

     enjoyed watching you work around the house, just like my dear late

     husband Bert used to do.  Hope you enjoy these cookies.

     Your neighbor,  Jane Smith.

Bryan pocketed the note and realized it had all been worth it.