This rich family employed Arthur for over 35 years. He began working as a gardener for Jared, the house’s kind, stylish businessman who admired Arthur. They were true buddies. Gardening together for enjoyment was sometimes done.
Jared died months ago. Stuart, his son, received his estate, money, and everything. Stuart was nothing like his father. Always nasty to Arthur, entitled, sluggish, and haughty. He loathed him from infancy.
Stuart snapped after being dumped again by his gold-digger lover. He shouted at Arthur, called him names, and exclaimed, “This is your last day here!”
Arthur remained silent. He stripped off his uniform and went to Jared’s favorite garden corner. Planting and laughing, they worked together there. Arthur hadn’t been there since Jared died. Too painful.
He noted the dirt appeared freshly disturbed as he sat down, buried in recollections. Something was buried.
Arthur leaned forward and dug with his hands, curious.
Arthur anticipated a dead squirrel or a little package of seeds dug up by an animal. To his amazement, he felt something substantial. A little wooden box with weathered edges and green brass corners. He carefully retrieved it off the ground, dusted off the dirt, and tried to open it. The lid stuck, but a simple twist released it. The inside included a folded parchment, a little ring, and a thin notepad.
Arthur’s heart leaped. The ring resembled Jared’s pinky ring. He fitted it snugly on his pinky finger. He opened the parchment with trembling hands. Jared’s letter was brief.
“Dear Arthur,” it started, “if you’re reading this, it means my time has likely passed and you decided to spend one more moment in our favorite garden corner. You’ve always been more than a gardener to me—a friend, confidant, and silent force of kindness in my house. I’m giving you my journals, property designs, and this ring—a token of my thanks and respect. It should remind us that loyalty and compassion need to be rewarded. Thanks for everything.”
Arthur looked tearful. Even after death, the guy who had showed him dignity all those years cared for him. The little notepad said “Jared’s Garden Plans.” Sketches, detailed notes on new flower hybrids, and lines on Arthur’s commitment were included. Jared had written how Arthur remained up overnight throughout the winter season, protected the rose plants from frost alone, and kept the garden alive year-round.
Arthur held the notepad against his chest. A bittersweet warmth enveloped him. He remembered Jared saying, “True character always shows up in the smallest details.” Jared was meticulous, perceptive, and devoted. Though Arthur never anticipated anything in return, Jared’s remarks seemed like a prize.
Arthur opted to finish the property work with one day left. His anger at Stuart’s outburst was tempered by a peculiar sense of responsibility—this estate had been his life’s labor. Arthur wanted to trim the plants, fix the irrigation system, and prepare the gardens even though he was leaving humiliatingly.
He cleaned his hands, put the ring in his pocket, and carefully tucked Jared’s notepad beneath his jacket. He approached the big toolshed carefully. Despite Arthur’s repeated requests, Stuart refused to renovate the rundown house. Arthur entered, turning on the lone overhead lights. He got clippers, seed pouches, and a watering can. He thought, “Let me do one last round for the old man.”
He found a fading envelope under fertilizer sacks while browsing the shelves. Jared carefully wrote “Arthur” on the front. Arthur gingerly opened the envelope, heart racing. Second letter from Jared with little key attached to the corner.
“Arthur,” the letter said, “I hope you find this when you need it most. The key is for the attic chest I always locked. You asked whether I’d open it again. Never found the proper moment. Do it for me when I’m away. I have included personal treasures and a thank you for your continuous commitment to my family.
Arthur had a million questions. A locked attic chest? He remembered seeing an old trunk half-buried in dusty blankets up there. Jared said it held trip souvenirs and family heirlooms. Could there be more? Something to shield Arthur from Stuart’s malice or ease his heartbreak?
Arthur went to the attic despite being dismissed. Stuart had left in his customary rage and was missing. The home crew was now merely a chef and housekeeper. They treated Arthur well but had little power. He cautiously entered the mansion’s back door. The home still smelled like mahogany polish and roses. Jared always wanted new entryway arrangements.
Arthur snuck upstairs, avoiding creaky steps. A tiny corridor ended at the attic door. The air became dusty as he climbed the rickety ladder. The trunk was hidden among old linens and broken lights. He gently put the odds and ends away and locked the trunk with the key.
Click. The trunk opened smoothly to reveal neatly folded paperwork, photos, and two little boxes. A sealed “Last Will and Testament – Private” envelope sat on top. Arthur’s heart nearly stopped. Another will? He believed Stuart had won easily. One line caught his attention as he gently raised the papers: “In the event of my passing, the caretaker of my gardens shall be granted a portion of my estate…” Arthur’s eyes became wide. He received some of Jared’s estate. It wasn’t the mansion, but it was enough to provide Arthur a pleasant future without an aggressive employer or financial worries.
Letters to the family lawyer asking them to respect the caretaker’s service were included. Jared also wrote to Arthur, “You are not just an employee; you’re the steward of my legacy. If Stuart doesn’t recognize your years of commitment, I want you to be independent.”
Arthur was relieved, shocked, and grateful. Stuart had fired, chastised, and belittled him, but it seemed insignificant today. Arthur possessed proof that Jared wanted to protect him. No matter how Stuart treated him, Jared had made sure Arthur was never alone.
Arthur heard ladder footsteps then. Stuart yelled from the dusty rafters: “Arthur! What are you doing in my house? I said leave!” The younger man’s eyes seemed arrogant. Arthur showed him the letter and documents carefully, feeling confident. Stuart first scoffed. “That’s not possible. My father would never do that.” His face sank as he examined the papers. He realized it was Jared’s witnessed, signed, and notarized supplementary will.
“Not possible!” Stuart sputtered. “I own everything!” But the reality was obvious. Arthur was given a small but significant piece of the land by Jared. Arthur would be well-paid whether the home survives or is sold. Stuart couldn’t fire Arthur without following Jared’s desires legally.
Stuart’s arrogance changed to dread then. He realized he no longer controlled Arthur’s life. Arthur closed and shut the trunk and pocketed the paperwork. The old gardener gazed at Stuart calmly yet decisively.
Stuart, I never wanted to steal from you. I’d do everything to work for your father again—he was the finest. I’m not seeking retribution. I deserve respect. Your father also made decisions.”
Stuart’s rage subsided. He instinctively realized that his father’s documents were authentic and that fighting them would only lead to a lost court struggle. Arthur saw Stuart try to find words to improve the situation for the first time.
Arthur departed the estate with dignity the next morning. He left the mansion by choice, wearing Jared’s ring, with the journals and legal paperwork under his arm. He wasn’t sure how to use the inheritance. Maybe he’d buy a tiny plot of land and establish his ideal nursery. He might travel, experience the globe, and then construct a communal garden in Jared’s honor. Arthur felt free for the first time in years, with infinite possibilities.
Stuart called Arthur many times over the following three weeks, first threatening litigation, then pleading for an estate preservation deal. Arthur chose decency after recalling Jared’s compassionate counsel. He let Stuart administer the family estate if he followed the supplementary will and paid Arthur fairly. Stuart agreed reluctantly.
The biggest surprise was when the locals rallied around Arthur after hearing the story. He was respected for his calm and kindness when offended. Many wanted to employ him for their gardens or shake his hand and say, “Thank you for reminding us what real loyalty and kindness look like.” Arthur concluded that inspiring others to treat people fairly and with respect was one of his greatest benefits after everything he had endured.
Arthur used his half of Jared’s wealth to buy a peaceful plot of land outside the city and open a small but successful garden business. He dubbed it “Jared’s Haven.” Families might learn to produce their own crops, kids could attend gardening lessons, and individuals could sit among the flowers and realize that generosity and loyalty are never wasted. The ring Jared left him sparkled in the sunlight while Arthur labored, reminding him of his old friend’s faith.
Life offers surprises—you might be fired and humiliated one day and find a treasure that alters everything the next. True character and friendships will always surface, like a seed hidden in the dirt blooming in the sun.
Arthur learnt that being yourself may bring unexpected rewards, no matter how unjust things appear. All storms make the sunshine feel warmer.
Please like and share this touching tale with someone you care about. You never know who needs a reminder that goodness and loyalty can win over cruelty and greed.
