Michael intended to murder Mrs. Jeggings and loot everything she owned, including her home. “She’ll be dead soon, and I’ll have all the money this old hag has,” he thought, planning the robbery. However, his nefarious plans were dashed when he caught sight of an old photograph in her home.
Mrs. Jeggings was walking down the village street with a bag of rolls in her hand. It was getting dark, and the elderly lady was lost in her thoughts of her late son Nick, who had strolled with her on the streets several times as a child.
Mrs. Jeggings’ thoughts of him never left her mind, and with her advanced age, they had only grown stronger. She’d keep blabbering as she walked down the street or worked on the farm as if she was talking to someone.
For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels
When her neighbors asked why she kept murmuring all the time, she said she was talking to her son in heaven, and he was telling her stories about the place. Some neighbors, concerned about her condition, advised her to see a doctor, while others made fun of her and avoided her altogether.
Mrs. Jeggings was on her way home one day when she heard a voice from behind her. “Excuse me, ma’am! My name is Michael. I need your help.”
Since it was dark, and her eyes had partially stopped supporting her due to her age, Mrs. Jeggings couldn’t see who was calling her. “Did you bring a friend with you today, Nick? But why are you quiet? Why is it that your friend is doing the talking? She asked, believing that her son had brought someone with him.
However, as the unfriendly acquaintance took a step forward, his face shone brightly in the streetlight, and Mrs. Jeggings took a step back. He was a tall man in his forties, unshaven, and dressed shabbily. Mrs. Jeggings was frightened by his appearance. “Who are you, and why are you following me?”
“I’m just a handyman, ma’am,” Michael replied. “I see you have a broken fence in your garden. May I repair it for you? I’m in desperate need of money because I haven’t eaten in days.”
Mrs. Jeggings looked around. Not a single soul appeared in sight. Plus, it was getting dark, and he seemed suspicious. Should I let him in? He doesn’t look right to me!
“No, there’s no need for that!” she replied, deciding not to let him in. “I’ll get it repaired later because I’m busy.”
