Conclusion: The Seeds That Are Sown

This is the conclusion of a serial short story. To start at the beginning, click here .
The Seeds That Are Sown:  Part 7, Conclusion



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The Clifton Cackler -                 We print what you should know.
Special Edition!!

Local Man Gets Mulched!

The Compost Heap Might Be the Best Place For Him

Clifton Heights- It was reported yesterday that Stephen J. Roberts, husband and "person of interest" in the investigation surrounding his wife Leia's death, was killed in a freak accident yesterday. Roberts, 42, apparently fell into a drunken stupor while visiting his wife's grave and was run over by a lawn mower. The newly hired cemetery caretaker, Julius Blake, told police that he had been mowing an overgrown area of the site and that he did not see Roberts' prostrate form until it was too late.

According to police, Blake was in a state of shock and had very little to say. No kidding! When you slice and dice a guy, it tends to make you a little less than talkative!

Results of toxicology reports will not be available for 2-3 weeks, but Leia Roberts' sister confirmed that Mr. Roberts had been doing quite a bit of "drinking and whoring" the past few days. Last time the Cackler checked, that wasn't one of the recognized stages of grieving! There have also been whispers in the hen house about abuse and such before Leia Roberts' sad and untimely demise. We at the Cackler have certainly seen some unbecoming behavior on the part of Roberts in the past, and his wife seemed to be awfully clumsy of late despite being a standout cheerleader during her years at Clifton Heights High School and varsity coach the past 10 years.

The couple had two children, ages 6 and 2. Both are now staying with Leia Roberts' sister Rina Gerhard pending a guardianship hearing.

Currently there are no charges pending against Julius Blake, and police confirm that the death will be probably be ruled an accident.

Mr. Blake states that he will continue with his job as cemetery caretaker. "I'm a very quiet, peaceful individual and the grounds are like a sanctuary to me. I feel that it's important for me to spend time there each day, cultivating serenity and beauty. I feel close to the spirits there."

Blake reportedly sold his only possession of value, his mother's diamond ring, and used the money to set up a trust fund for the Roberts children, saying "Mother wanted me to give it as an engagement ring one day, but I'll never marry."

And in one last happy twist of fate, Blake found and returned the Roberts' family dog, which had apparently run away over a month ago.

"Perhaps the spirits guided him back to me, knowing that the children would need him," he said tearfully, hugging the German Shepherd.

We at the Cackler applaud Blake's dignity, strength, kindness and compassion in the midst of a terrible tragedy. Julius Blake, you truly are a flower on the compost heap of life!

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Author's note: this is a work of fiction. Any resemblance to actual people, places, events, or tabloids is unintentional. 

 I woke up this morning to find my email was compromised. Great. And the phishing has been since I started blogging. So I've removed contact info, etc. from my page for now. Sorry. You can still connect with me via my google profile.