The inheritance

A short story by Fiza Saeed McLynn

- Fiza Saeed McLynn

Two things puzzle Becky; why, at 32, she still hasn't found a job that excites her; and what on earth possessed her dad to keep hold of a shop that closed down 15 years ago.

Dutton’s Electrical Appliances was forced out of business by the huge Currys that opened opposite. He could have sold the property for a decent profit and moved to new premises, or bought a nice little apartment in the Canaries for that winter sun he always craved — but he never did.

“Your dad will have his reasons, Becky,” her mum would say, like she wasn’t in on it.

The shifty look in her eyes told a different story. And her parents decided everything together, she knew that. But it’s too late to ask either of them now. Probate is settled and the estate agent will be along in 10 minutes to give Becky a valuation and the hope of a brighter future. One where she can afford a deposit on her own place, and retrain as a... something — what exactly, she hasn't decided.

After the mortgage on her parents’ house is paid off, there'll be nothing left, so this shop is Becky's last chance to save her life from being one colossal failure.

Flyers and letters piling up make it difficult to open the shop door. Eventually, shoving hard and a solid kick work their magic. Becky sneezes. So much dust has accumulated that it’s obvious no one has been near the place in years. This is just a shop of memories now. Her dad tinkering with stock; Becky visiting after school to play with the new gadgets; her first part-time job.

Adjusting to the gloom, she notices a striped deckchair in one corner and an old-fashioned radio, both in dust-free condition. Strange. Her dad never mentioned spending any significant time here. Despite the ferocious heat of this June afternoon, goosebumps pop on her skin. Something tells Becky that she isn’t alone. “Been here long?”