This short story is from <Heartwarming Collection of Short Stories for Seniors: 2 Books in 1> by Bradley Windrow. It is perfect for seniors, even for dementia patients. Be sure to read until the end, as there’s a special gift waiting for you! hope you enjoy it!
Peace is not the absence of conflict but the ability to handle conflict by peaceful means. –Ronald Reagan
Mildred invited her quiet neighbor, Mrs. Jenkins, and Mr. Thompson, the grumpy retired postman, over for tea. She didn’t know that these two had been in a silent feud for 15 years. Mrs. Jenkins was convinced Mr. Thompson had stolen her antique tea set, while Mr. Thompson swore Mrs. Jenkins had taken his prized gardening shears. Neither had ever confronted the other directly.
The tension was immediate when they saw each other at Mildred’s doorstep. Mildred, completely unaware, cheerfully welcomed them in.
“Come in! Isn’t it a lovely day for tea?” she chirped. Mr. Thompson mumbled under his breath, and Mrs. Jenkins gave him a cold glare. As they sat down, Mildred tried to start some pleasant conversation.
“So, Mrs. Jenkins, how’s your garden coming along? I heard your roses are in full bloom!”
“They are,” Mrs. Jenkins replied, her voice dripping with pointed politeness. She narrowed her eyes at Mr. Thompson. “Unlike some people’s honesty.”
“Oh? Did you say something about the weather?” Mildred asked, confused.
“I said ethics, Mildred. Some people steal things and never return them,” Mrs. Jenkins said louder, staring right at Mr. Thompson. Mr. Thompson had enough.
“For crying out loud, Jenkins! I never took your precious tea set! And let’s not forget how you stole my vintage gardening shears! Rusty, she says! They were practically an heirloom!” he snapped.
“I wouldn’t touch those ancient things with a ten-foot pole!” Mrs. Jenkins gasped dramatically. Mildred froze, teapot in hand.
“Wait, wait! Are we really arguing about… shears and a tea set?”
“Yes!” they shouted in unison, glaring at each other. Desperate to end the madness, Mildred tried to mediate.
“Mrs. Jenkins, didn’t you sell me your tea set during that garage sale years ago?” Mrs. Jenkins blinked in realization. “Oh, heavens, I did, didn’t I?”
“And Mr. Thompson, remember we found your gardening shears in my backyard last year?” Mr. Thompson scratched his head.
“Oh… right. I guess I did forget that.” As the room fell into an awkward silence, Mrs. Jenkins suddenly stood up, pointing an accusing finger at Mildred.
“You! You’re the problem!”
“Me? How am I the problem?” Mildred asked, stunned.
“It’s all a conspiracy. You’ve been playing us against each other this whole time!” Mrs. Jenkins declared. Mr. Thompson nodded in agreement. Without another word, the two stormed out together. As Mildred stood in shock, she heard laughter through the window. The two former enemies were chuckling together, reminiscing about their ridiculous feud. Mrs. Jenkins turned back and waved.
“Maybe you’re not the problem, Mildred. Maybe we’ve just been acting like fools,” she said.
“Come on, Jenkins, let’s find something new to argue about.” Mr. Thompson grinned.
Mildred smiled to herself, relieved. “Well, at least they’re laughing together,” she thought. “That’s something.”
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