Summary

The short story “Legacy” by PR Woods begins with a description of the food at a fundraising event to save the oceans. In a side room, a teenage boy named Rory is writing names on envelopes and painting some kind of substance over the glue meant to seal the letters. His mother, Jola Hobotnica, comes to ask him if he is done, then warns him not to lick his fingers. She then promises him that they will be going home soon.

Jola then goes to the main hall to welcome the guests and show them a video about the oceans. As the video is playing, Jola steps aside and plays with a bottle marked TTX that she carries in her pocket. She thinks about how much she used to want to win an award given to the employee who raises the most funds. The sum of money is very generous and, in addition, there is also the opportunity for a trip to Croatia for two people. Since Jola is from Croatia, she wanted to use the prize to return home with her son. However, now she thinks she has found a way to do better, and ensure that she and Rory can go back for good.

Jola also thinks about her rival, Martina, who has beat Jola in previous fund-raising competitions and is generally mean to her. In addition to this, Martina became involved with Jola’s boyfriend, Alastair. A...