It was a draughty day, the sky was a dismal grey. Delma awoke as the sun peeped out from the horizon.

“A storm’s approaching,” she predicted as she swam around the lake as part of her morning exercise. On return home to the underground caves in the lake, she saw Olly the octopus waiting for her.

“Olly Sir, to what do I owe this honour?” she asked in delight. “Please come and have breakfast with me. I have picked the most delicious weeds from the lake banks. They are your favourite kind!”

Olly had been Delma’s teacher, school principal and still continued to be her mentor and neighbour. It was always a pleasure to meet him.

“I hardly see you any more, Sir,” Delma remarked as they enjoyed breakfast.

“Yes, Delma. Writing my latest book has been keeping me quite busy. But today I have another concern which has brought me to you,” Olly said.

“It would be an honour to be of any service, Sir,” replied Delma.

“I wish to leave a will and I want you to be its witness,” the octopus said solemnly. Delma was speechless. “S…sir,” she stammered, finally finding her voice. “What in the world are you saying?”

Olly smiled at Delma kindly, “My dear Delma. There is no need to look so shocked.” “Sir, why? Are you well?” she croaked in a hoarse voice.

“Yes, I’m perfectly fine. But the fact of the matter is that I’m old. And I have a few possessions that I need to leave to different people and places,” Olly explained softly.

“And I need your help in doing so........

© Dawn Young Magazine