As always nothing belongs to me, I bow to the genius of Ray Galton and Alan Simpson.

Chapter 15

"Harry, have you done anything with the yard yet?" Asked Pete. It was 6 months after Albert's death and the friends were at art class. Harold had discovered a talent for drawing, particularly with charcoal, and Francois had encouraged him.

"No mate, haven't really had time. I suppose I should get round to it though I doubt if anyone would want to buy it."

"It's a fair-sized plot of land, and where it is you could make a few hundred. You should ask an estate agent to come round and value it."

"Yeah, I might just do that. Seems a shame for it to stay empty and unused."

"You could buy your own place with it." Suggested Roger. "Then invite us all round for parties."

"What would be the point of that? It would just be taking money from Bert."

"Are you saying we spend a lot of time at Bert's?" Asked Louise.

"Be honest Lou, we're his best customers." They all laughed at this as it was true. They spent less time at the pub and more at Bert's, where he gave them a discount as he enjoyed their company.

"Anyone heard from Stuart and Yvonne lately?" The couple had married three months ago and moved to Wales where they had opened a gift shop and café. They were missed by the rest of them and there were plans to visit them later in the year.

"I have." Said Jan. "Nothing exciting, just telling me about the shop and the local people and the weather. They send their love to everyone."

"It's finished." Announced Harold. He stood back while the others came and stood round. Francois joined them.

"Bloody hell!" He exclaimed, totally forgetting his French accent. "That is amazing Harry."

"Best thing you've ever done mate, and I mean that."

"Did he really look like that?" Asked Carole.

"He looked exactly like that." Said Roger. "Harry's got him down to a t, I can almost hear the old git speaking." They all admired the pencil drawing Harold had done of his father. He had decided to do it shortly after the funeral and had worked on it for weeks. Some weeks he had left it alone for something else but had always come back to it. Drawing his father had been his way of purging him from his life, now it was finished.

"What are you going to do with it?" Asked Pete.

"Not a clue, I'm just glad it's finished."

"It really should go on display." Said Ben. "It really is that good." Harold laughed at this.

"Who on earth is going to want that monstrosity on display?"

"Gerald would." Said Francois. Gerald was his partner who ran a small art gallery. "He would love to show it off. If you agree I'll get him to frame it and put it on display. What do you say Harold?" Harold shrugged.

"Have it if you like. I don't want it, I just wanted to draw it. Take it with my blessing."