I left the keys to my flat with my best mate Emily before I went on holiday, and when I got back I found shed moved in with her whole family.
MrsClarke, I get why youre angry, but lets talk calmly, the local constable said, rubbing his nose. So theyre refusing to leave your flat?
Refusing? Theyve outright refused! I flailed, my hands shaking. Emily said she has the full right to be there! Can you believe it? I only gave her the keys so she could water my plants, and she she My voice cracked.
Take a breath, have a seat, the constable moved a chair over. Tell me everything in order. When exactly did you hand over the keys to who?
To Emily Anderson, I said, squeezing the handkerchief in my fist. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Actually we used to be friends I never imagined she could do something like this. Never!
Just two weeks ago my life was running like clockwork. At fiftythree I had everything Id ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a decent London borough, a steady job as an accountant at a respectable firm, an adult son living with his own family who dropped by now and then. I wasnt lonely after my divorce ten years ago Id learned to enjoy my independence and peace.
That evening I was in the kitchen with Emily. Wed met on an accountanttraining course and kept in touch despite working for different companies.
Can you believe it, Emily? Ive finally booked a break! I poured tea into mugs. Im off to Brighton for two weeks. Everythings paid for.
Honestly, thats brilliant! Emilys face lit up. Its been ages since youve taken a holiday. Three years?
Four, I sighed. Since Mum fell ill I never managed to get away. Now it feels like the stars have finally aligned work is quiet, finances are sorted.
Exactly! You need to think about yourself sometimes, she said, sipping her tea, then grew thoughtful. You know, Im jealous in a good way. Our house is a disaster right now renovation chaos, dust everywhere, builders from sunrise to sunset, and the downstairs neighbours keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a test, I agreed. But itll look lovely once its done.
If we survive it, Emily laughed, Sasha and the kids are already ready to crawl up the walls because of the mess. We dream of a quick escape for a couple of weeks, but where? Hotels are pricey and staying with relatives is cramped.
I set my spoon down and looked at her. An idea popped up: why not ask Emily to look after my flat while I was away? She could water the plants and check that everythings okay.
Listen, Emily, could you stay at my place while Im at the sea? Water the flowers, keep an eye on the flat. Itd also give you a break from the renovation.
Emilys face brightened.
Really? Youre not kidding? That would be a lifesaver! I could pop in evenings after work. Honest, Ill keep everything perfect!
Stay as long as you need, I waved my hand. Itll be easier for me knowing someones there. Who knows what could happen otherwise.
We spent ages hashing out the details when I leave, how to tend the orchids on the windowsill, how often to air the rooms. Emily sounded genuinely grateful and promised to treat my home with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Mari, she said shyly as she was about to leave, would you mind if I occasionally slept over? When Im completely wiped from the endless trips up and down.
Of course, I shrugged. The spare bedrooms ready, theres food in the fridge. Make yourself at home.
Id later remember that line make yourself at home with a bitter twist.
On the day of my departure I met Emily again, handed over the keys, and showed her how to look after my finicky orchid.
Dont worry about a thing, she said, taking the keys carefully. Enjoy your break, recharge, and Ill keep an eye on everything here.
So I left for Brighton with a light heart, not suspecting what awaited me when I walked back in.
Two weeks in Brighton flew by. I soaked up the sun, swam in the sea, even met a charming bloke from the next B&B a firsttime fling after years of playing it safe. I sent Emily a couple of pictures of the coast and got short, warm replies: You look stunning! and Im so jealous!.
When the taxi pulled up to my block, I felt a pleasant fatigue and a pang of sadness that the holiday was ending. I climbed to the fourth floor, unlocked the door with my own key, and froze on the landing.
The hallway was littered with strangers shoes mens, womens, kids. Unknown jackets hung on the coat rack. From the living room I could hear the TV and laughter.
What on earth I started, when suddenly Emily popped out of the kitchen.
Oh, Mari! Youre back early? she gasped, feigning surprise. We were actually expecting you tomorrow.
Whats happening here? The floor seemed to tilt under me. Why are there so many things? Whose shoes are these?
Well you did let me stay while you were away, right? Emily stammered. So we
We? I stepped into the lounge and stopped dead. On my sofa sat Emilys husband, Andrew, watching a football match. In an armchair a teenage boy, about fourteen, Danny, was glued to a tablet. At the dining table an eightyearold girl, Poppy, was busy drawing.
Hello, AuntMarian, the little girl said politely.
Andrew looked up from the screen and nodded. Hey, Marian. How was the break?
What are you all doing here? My voice trembled. I invited Emily to water the plants and maybe pop in for a night if she needed, not not to move in with the whole family!
Dont get worked up, Marian, Emily replied softly, though her eyes were tense. You know how chaotic our house has been. The kids cant stand it. We thought, since youre not here, why not use the spare space? Its just temporary.
Temporary? I scanned the room and noticed the décor had changed my little statues were gone, replaced by unfamiliar framed photos. A new painting hung on the wall, and the curtains were bright blue instead of my favourite cream.
You you moved my stuff around? I felt a lump in my throat. Where are my things?
We carefully tucked them in the storage, Emily said hurriedly. The kids needed room to play, so we adjusted a bit. Nothing major.
Adjusted? I couldnt believe what I was hearing. This is my flat! My flat!
Danny, shut up, Emily snapped at her son. Marian, lets have a calm chat. How about a cup of tea?
I dont want tea! Anger boiled inside me. I want you all to pack up and leave this flat right now!
A heavy silence fell. Andrew turned off the TV and stood up.
Marian, you dont understand, he began evenly. Our renovation has been delayed, the builders say itll be another month. The kids cant stay in that dust.
Thats not my problem, I cut in. I never agreed to a fulltime stay for your whole family. I only asked Emily to water the flowers and occasionally check the flat.
But you did say stay as long as you need, make yourself at home, Emily reminded me.
That was a figure of speech! I snapped. No sensible person would let an entire family move in, redecorate, and claim rights!
The constable, who had arrived after I called, raised a hand to stop the argument.
So, the situation is this: the owner of the property you, Marian wants the occupants to leave. Thats your legal right. Even if there was an oral agreement for temporary lodging, it can be withdrawn at any time, especially when it involves the sole residence of the owner.
But we have nowhere to go! Emily protested. Our renovation is a mess!
The owner is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation, the constable said calmly. Thats generous considering the circumstances.
Emily exchanged a look with Andrew, then lowered her head.
Fine, she said finally. Well find somewhere else in a week.
Ill be moving back in right now, I added. You can stay for a week, but you must put all my belongings back where they belong and stop changing anything.
Andrew sighed. We understand. Im sorry, Marian. We acted foolishly. Well restore everything and look for a new place. Honest.
Seeing genuine remorse in his eyes, I nodded. Alright, Ill trust you.
The constable noted everyones details, wrote a brief protocol, and gave me his number in case anything went wrong.
When he left, an awkward quiet settled over the flat. Emily fidgeted with her sleeve.
Why, Emily? After fifteen years of friendship, why did you do this? I asked, voice low.
Tears filled her eyes. I didnt mean any harm. Our house is a disaster endless dust, constant noise, the kids getting sick. Your flat was clean, quiet, and we thought one extra person wouldnt hurt. Then it got out of hand, and I panicked.
You crossed a line, Emily. You cant treat a friends home like a hotel.
I know, she whispered. Im sorry. I was under a lot of stress.
Danny, who had been listening, removed his headphones. Im embarrassed being here, he said.
His unexpected honesty surprised me.
No, Danny, you dont have to go, I softened. Im giving you a week, but Im moving back in. The flat is mine.
Andrew nodded. Well take one room, youll have the other. Well help put everything back.
Surprisingly, the rest of the evening turned into a collective effort to restore the flat. From the storage we rescued my little statues, my photos, my books. Poppy helped arrange knickknacks on the shelves, Danny moved furniture back, and Andrew rehung the original curtains. Even Emily, despite her embarrassment, pitched in.
By nightfall the flat looked almost as it had before. Not everything was perfect a few items were misplaced, some things missing but I felt like the rightful owner again.
The Kuznetsovs set up camp in the living room parents on the sofa, Poppy on a foldout chair, Danny sprawled on the floor. I retreated to my bedroom, swapping the hotel bed for my own.
In the morning I was greeted by the smell of fresh coffee. Emily was at the stove.
Morning, she said hesitantly. I made pancakes, just like you like.
I hesitated, then smiled. After all these years we were still friends, and she seemed genuinely remorseful.
Over breakfast the tension eased. Poppy chatted about school, Danny cracked a joke, Andrew talked about the latest footie scores. Then Andrew mentioned his cousin, who had a spare flat in a nearby suburb that was currently empty.
Really? Emily asked, surprised. Why didnt you ask him earlier?
Its a bit awkward, Andrew admitted. We dont get on well with my cousin, but he said we could use it while our renovation finishes, no rent.
The news lifted a weight off my shoulders. It meant the Kuznetsovs would have somewhere to go and the dispute would end sooner.
This is fantastic, I said. Im glad youve found a solution.
Later that day, as I returned from work, Emily met me at the hallway.
Were moving out, she said bluntly. Our cousin gave us the green light. Ive packed everything.
I wasnt sure whether to feel relieved or sad that our fifteenyear friendship had been put to such a test.
Im really sorry for everything, Marian, she whispered. I was wrong, so wrong. I understand if you never want to speak to me again, but I hope you know I value our friendship.
I looked at her, feeling the sting of betrayal but also the lingering affection from years of shared moments.
I dont know, I admitted. My trust is shattered. Maybe, in time, we can start over.
An hour later the Kuznetsovs were out the door. Poppy gave me a tight hug, whispering, Sorry, Aunt Marian. Youre the kindest. Danny gave a reluctant handshake, and Andrew helped carry the last bags to a taxi.
Emily lingered at the threshold.
I left you a little present on the kitchen table, she said. Its an apology.
On the table sat a small, elegant porcelain figurine two women holding hands tied with a ribbon and a note: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. Love, Emily.
I stared at the gift, thinking of all the good times wed shared. Could I ever forgive her? I didnt have an answer yet, but deep down I knew that genuine friends, even after serious mistakes, stay in the heart forever.
