I left a set of keys with my dearest friend while I went away on holiday, and when I returned I discovered that she had moved her whole family into my flat.
Mrs. Margaret Sinclair, I understand your outrage, but please, let us speak calmly, Constable Harris said, rubbing his nose with a weary hand. So youre telling me they refuse to leave your flat?
Not merely refuse! Margaret flailed her arms in desperation. Emily claimed she had an absolute right to be there! Can you imagine? I left her the keys just to water the ferns, and she she her voice trembled betraying a hidden fury.
Calm down, have a seat, the constable nudged a chair forward. Tell me the whole story. When exactly did you hand over the keys to what was her name?
To Emily Anderson. Emily Anderson of the Kuznets family. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Or rather, we were friends Margaret managed a bitter smile, clutching a handkerchief. I never imagined she could do something like this. Never!
Two weeks earlier Margaret Millers life moved at a slow, predictable rhythm. At fiftythree she possessed everything she had ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a respectable part of Birmingham, a steady job as an accountant for a wellknown firm, an adult son who lived with his own family and visited now and then with warm, if infrequent, gatherings. Loneliness never weighed on her after a divorce ten years before she had learned to cherish her independence and peace.
That evening she sat in her kitchen with her old friend Emily. They had first met on an accountants continuingeducation course and had kept in touch ever since, despite working for different companies.
Can you believe it, Emily? I finally booked a break! Margaret poured fragrant tea into two mugs. Im heading to Brighton for two weeks. The travel voucher is paid for, all sorted.
No kidding! Emily beamed, genuinely happy for her. Its high time! How long has it been since youve had a proper holiday? Three years?
Four, Margaret sighed. Ever since my mother fell ill I never managed to get away. Now the stars seem aligned: work is quiet, the finances are in order.
Exactly! You have to think of yourself once in a while, Emily replied, sipping her tea, then thoughtful. You know, my house is a right mess at the moment a renovation is under way, everything upside down. Dust, debris, builders from dawn till dusk. And the neighbours below keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a trial, Margaret agreed. But once its done itll be beautiful.
If we survive it, Emily chuckled. Sashas kids are already climbing the walls because of the chaos. We dream of a fortnight away somewhere, but where? Hotels are pricey, and staying with relatives is cramped.
Margaret set her spoon down and looked at Emily. A thought flickered: why not ask Emily to look after the flat while she was away? She needed someone to water the plants and make sure everything was alright.
Listen, Emily, could you help me? Stay at my place while Im at the sea? Water the ferns, keep an eye on the flat. It would give you a break from the renovation too.
Emilys face brightened.
Really? Youre not joking? Margaret, that would be a lifesaver! I could pop over in the evenings after work. I swear, everything would be in perfect order!
Stay as long as you need, Margaret waved generously. It would actually calm me knowing someones there. Who knows what could happen otherwise.
They spent a long while ironing out the details when Margaret would depart, how often to water the plants, how frequently to air the rooms. Emily seemed genuinely grateful and promised to treat the flat with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Mar Emily said shyly as she was about to leave, would you mind if I sometimes spent the night? When Im completely exhausted from the backandforth.
Of course not, Margaret shrugged. The bedroom is ready, theres food in the fridge. Make yourself at home.
That phrase make yourself at home would later echo in Margarets mind with a bitter twist.
On the day of her departure Margaret met Emily once more, handed over the keys and demonstrated how to tend the temperamental orchid perched on the windowsill.
Dont worry about a thing, Emily assured, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your break, recharge, and Ill look after everything.
And Margaret left with a light heart, entirely unaware of what awaited her on her return.
Two weeks in Brighton flew by like a single day. Margaret tanned, relaxed, swam in the sea to her hearts content, and even struck up a pleasant acquaintance with a gentleman from the next guesthouse a gentle seaside romance, something she hadnt allowed herself in many years. She sent Emily a couple of sunny photos, receiving brief but warm replies: You look radiant! and Im green with envy!
When the taxi pulled up to the steps of her block, Margaret felt a pleasant fatigue and a faint sorrow that the holiday was ending. She climbed to the fourth floor, turned the key, and froze on the landing, unable to believe her eyes.
In the hallway lay strangers shoes mens, womens, childrens. Unknown coats hanging on the rack. From deep within the flat came the sound of a television and laughter.
What on earth Margaret began, when suddenly Emily appeared from the kitchen.
Oh, Margaret! Youre back early? she exclaimed with feigned surprise. Weve been waiting for you tomorrow.
Whats happening here? Margaret felt the ground slip from under her. Why are there so many belongings in my flat? Whose shoes are those?
Well Emily stammered. You did let me stay here while you were away. So we
We? Margaret stepped into the sittingroom and stopped dead. On her sofa sat Emilys husband, Andrew, watching football. In an armchair a teenage boy, about fourteen, David, was glued to a tablet. At the dining table an eightyearold girl, Lucy, was drawing intently.
Good afternoon, Aunt Margaret, the little girl said politely.
Andrew turned off the TV and looked up.
Hello, Margaret. How was your break?
What are you all doing here? Margarets voice trembled. I allowed Emily to crash here occasionally if she couldnt get home, not not to move in with her whole family!
Margaret, please dont get worked up, Emily said softly, though her eyes were tense. You saw how chaotic our house had become. The children were miserable. We thought you wouldnt mind a few extra people in a vacant flat. It was just a temporary haven!
Temporary? Margaret scanned the rooms, noticing that her beloved statuettes had been swapped for strangers photographs, that a painting she didnt recognize now hung on the wall, that the curtains were a bright blue rather than her soft cream ones. Did you rearrange my flat?
We stored your things neatly in the cupboard, Emily rushed. The kids needed space to play. We just adjusted the flat a bit, nothing serious.
Adjusted? Margaret could not believe her ears. This is my flat! My
Mum, why is she shouting? David snapped out of his tablet. We didnt break anything.
David, be quiet, Emily snapped at her son. Margaret, lets speak calmly. Youre tired, how about a cuppa?
I dont want tea! Margaret felt anger bubbling up. I want you to pack up and leave my flat right now! This instant!
A tense silence fell. Andrew switched off the TV and stood.
Margaret, you dont understand, he began, trying to be conciliatory. Our renovation is delayed, the builders say itll be at least another month. The kids cant stay in that dust, the chemicals
Thats not my problem, Margaret cut in. I never consented to an entire family moving into my home. I only asked Emily to water the ferns and check that everything was alright.
But you did say, Stay as long as you need, make yourself at home, Emily retorted.
That was an idiom, not a lease! Margarets patience snapped. No one in their right mind would permit a whole family to settle, rearrange furniture and claim rights!
Constable Harris raised his hand, halting the rising argument.
Lets be clear, he said. The owner of the property demands that you vacate. That is her legal right. Even if there was a verbal agreement to stay, it can be withdrawn at any time, especially when the premises belong solely to Ms. Miller.
But we have nowhere to go! Emily protested. Our renovation is a disaster!
That is not the landlords concern, Harris replied calmly. However, Ms. Miller is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation. That is generous given the circumstances.
The room fell into quiet. Emily exchanged a glance with Andrew, then bowed her head.
Fine, she said at last. A week it is. Well find something.
And another condition, Margaret added. I am moving back in immediately. You may stay for a week only if you return all my belongings to their original places and cease any further changes.
Emily pursed her lips but nodded.
I can stay overnight to ensure the terms are met, the constable offered, clearly not trusting a peaceful settlement.
No need, Andrew interjected. We understand. Were sorry, Margaret, we acted rashly. Emily misread the situation, and I let it happen. Well restore everything and look for new rooms.
Margaret studied Andrews eyes, seeing genuine remorse. Perhaps he truly hadnt realised the extent of their mistake.
Very well, she said. I believe you, Andrew. I hope you keep your word.
The constable recorded everyones details, drafted a brief protocol of the agreement and handed Margaret his contact number for any further issues.
When he left, an uneasy silence settled over the flat. Emily fidgeted with her sleeve, avoiding Margarets gaze.
Why, Emily? Margaret asked quietly. After fifteen years of friendship, why did you do this?
Emily lifted her eyes, brimming with tears.
I never meant any harm. When we arrived, your flat was calm, tidy, a refuge from the chaos at home. Our place was a storm of dust and noise; the children were falling ill. I thought, What difference does it make if one person stays or four? The space was there. Then it became difficult to admit wed taken it without permission.
So you decided to tell me you have a right to live here? Margaret shook her head. You crossed every boundary, Emily. You cant treat friends like that.
I know, Emily whispered. Im sorry. I was under too much stress from the renovation. When you returned earlier than expected, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
Mum, lets just pack up and go, David said, removing his headphones. Im ashamed to be here.
Margaret stared at the teenager, surprised by his conscience.
No, David, you dont need to leave right now, she softened. Ill give you a week. But I am moving back in; this is my home.
Of course, Andrew agreed. Well take one room, youll have the other. Well help put your things back.
To Margarets astonishment, the Kuznets family spent the evening restoring the flat to its former state. From the cupboard they retrieved her statuettes, photographs, books. Lucy placed tiny ornaments on the shelves, David moved furniture, and Andrew rehung the original cream curtains. Even Emily, after a moments embarrassment, joined in.
By nightfall the flat resembled its previous layout. Some items were slightly misplaced, a few were missing, but Margaret felt she was once again the mistress of her own home.
The Kuznetses set up in the lounge parents on the sofa, Lucy on a folding chair, David on the floor with his tablet. Margaret retreated to her bedroom, swapping the hotel bed for her own familiar mattress.
In the morning she was roused by the smell of fresh coffee. In the kitchen Emily was bustling over the stove.
Good morning, she said hesitantly. I thought perhaps we could have breakfast together? Ive made pancakes just the way you like them.
Margaret hesitated, then nodded. After fifteen years of friendship, they could still find a moment of normality, and Emilys remorse seemed sincere.
Over breakfast the atmosphere gradually eased. Lucy chatted about school, David cracked a joke, Andrew discussed the latest football scores, and Margaret listened, feeling the old camaraderie return.
By the way, Andrew said suddenly, my cousin has a spare flat in a nearby suburb. Hes letting it out for free while his tenants are away. We could move there while the renovation finishes.
Really? Emily was surprised. Why didnt you mention it earlier?
I didnt want to ask a favour, Andrew admitted. You know I dont get on well with my brotherinlaw, Vicky. But now we have no other options.
Margaret felt a weight lift. The Kuznetses truly had a place to go, and the dispute could end sooner than she had feared.
Thats wonderful, she said earnestly. Im glad things are looking up for you.
Later that day, as Margaret returned from work, Emily met her at the hallway.
Were moving out, she said without preamble. Vicky gave the goahead, we can be in the new flat today. Ive already packed our things.
Margaret didnt know whether to feel relief at the return of peace or sorrow at the rift in a fifteenyear friendship.
Im truly sorry everything turned out like this, Emily, she murmured.
Me too, Emily lowered her gaze. I was wrong, very wrong. Ill understand if you never want to speak to me again. But I want you to know I value our friendship, and if you can ever forgive me
Margaret looked at her old friend, recognising that despite the hurt and disappointment, fifteen years of camaraderie could not simply be erased. People make grave mistakes, sometimes. Yet, does one hold onto bitterness forever?
I dont know, Emily, she answered honestly. I need time. Youve shattered my trust. Perhaps, one day, we can start anew.
An hour later the Kuznets family departed the flat. At the doorway Lucy gave Margaret a tight hug, whispering, Sorry, Aunt Margaret, youre the kindest. David shook her hand awkwardly, and Andrew helped carry the last bags to a waiting taxi.
Emily lingered at the threshold.
I left you a gift, she said. On the kitchen table. Its an apology and a thankyou for not throwing us out straight away.
When the door clicked shut, Margaret was finally alone. The silence rang oddly after days filled with voices.
On the kitchen table lay a small, neatly tied parcel. Inside rested a delicate porcelain figurine: two women clasping each others hands. A note was attached: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. With love, Emily.
Margaret stared at the gift, recalling the good years they had shared. Could she forgive her friend? She did not yet have an answer, but deep down she sensed that, in time, the bond might find a second wind. After all, real friends, even after stumbling, remain forever in the heart.
