Emma Clarke, fiftythree, has a cosy twobedroom flat in a respectable part of Manchester, a steady job as an accountant for a wellknown firm, and an adult son who lives with his own family and drops by now and then. Ten years after her divorce she learns to enjoy her independence, and loneliness never bothers her.
Two weeks ago her life runs smoothly. She has everything she ever wanted: a comfortable home, a reliable income, and the peace of mind that comes from managing her own affairs.
One evening Emma sits in her kitchen with her best friend Sophie Anderson. They met years ago on an accountanttraining course and have kept in touch ever since, despite working for different companies.
Can you believe it, Sophie? I finally book a twoweek break in Brighton, Emma says, pouring fragrant tea into mugs. All the travel and accommodation are paid for.
Sophie lights up. Thats brilliant! When was the last time youve had a proper holiday? Three years?
Four, Emma sighs. Since my mother fell ill I never managed to get away. Now the timing looks perfect work is quiet, the bills are sorted.
Sophie nods, sipping her tea. Youve earned it. You need to look after yourself once in a while. She pauses, then adds, Honestly, Im a bit envious. My house is a mess right now weve started a renovation, theres dust everywhere, the builders are in from sunrise to sunset, and the neighbours downstairs keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Emma agrees, Renovations are always a test of patience, but at least the result will be beautiful.
Sophie chuckles, If we survive it, my husband James and the kids will be climbing the walls from the chaos. We keep dreaming of a short escape, but hotels are pricey and staying with relatives is cramped.
Emma puts down her spoon, looks at Sophie, and an idea forms. Sophie, what if you stay at my place while Im on the sea? You could water the plants and keep an eye on the flat. It would also give you a break from the worksites.
Sophies face brightens. Really? Youre not joking? That would be a lifesaver! I could come back in the evenings after work. I promise everything will be spotless.
Emma smiles, Stay as long as you need. Itll be easier knowing someones there, just in case anything happens.
They spend the next hour working out the details when Emma leaves, how to tend the orchids on the windowsill, how often to open the windows, and so on. Sophie insists, Do you mind if I sometimes sleep over? When the site rushes get me exhausted.
Of course not, Emma replies, The spare bedroom is ready, theres food in the fridge, and the bed is made up. Make yourself at home.
Later that night Emma hands Sophie the keys, shows her how to care for the temperamental orchid, and wishes her a relaxing stay.
Emma flies to Brighton. The two weeks pass in a blur: sunbathing on the beach, swimming in the sea, and even a light romance with a charming fellow guest at the B&B. She sends Sophie a few sunny pictures, receiving brief, cheerful replies: You look radiant! and Im jealous of the sunshine!
When the taxi pulls up to the block of her flat, Emma feels a pleasant weariness and a hint of sadness that the holiday is ending. She walks up to the fourth floor, inserts her key, and pauses on the landing, eyes wide.
The hallway is strewn with strangers shoes mens, womens, childrens. Unfamiliar coats hang on the rack. From the flat comes the sound of a television and laughter.
What on earth Emma begins, when a voice calls from the kitchen.
Sophie! Youre back already? Sophie bursts out, feigning surprise. We were waiting for you tomorrow.
Emmas heart drops. Whats happening here? Why are there so many things in my flat? Whose shoes are these?
Sophie fumbles, You gave me permission to stay while you were away, so
We? Emma steps into the living room and stops dead. On her sofa sits James Anderson, watching a football match. A teenage boy, about fourteen, lounges in an armchair with a tablet their son Daniel. At the dining table, an eightyearold girl, Lily, is drawing intently.
Good afternoon, Aunt Emma, Lily says politely.
James looks up, Hey, Emma. How was your break?
Emmas voice trembles, What are you all doing here? I only asked you to water the plants and check the flat, not move an entire family in!
Sophie tries to sound calm, Emma, we thought youd understand. The house is a disaster, the kids cant stand the dust, and we needed a place to crash. Its only temporary.
Emma scans the room and notices everything has changed her cherished figurines are gone, replaced by unfamiliar framed photos; a new painting hangs on the wall; the curtains are bright blue instead of her soft cream.
You rearranged my flat? she asks, throat tightening. Where are my things?
We put them in the storage cupboard, neatly, Sophie replies hurriedly. The kids needed space to play, so we tweaked the layout a bit. No big deal.
This is my flat! Emma shouts. I never agreed to this!
Daniel, pulling off his headphones, mutters, We didnt break anything.
Sophie snaps at him, Daniel, quiet. She turns to Emma, Lets sit down, have a cup of tea?
I dont want tea! Emma says, anger rising. I want you all to leave my flat right now!
A tense silence follows. James switches off the TV, stands, and says, Emma, I get it. Weve got serious housing problems the renovation is dragging on, the builders say itll be another month. The kids cant stay there with all the dust.
Thats not my concern, Emma retorts. I only asked you to look after the plants. I never gave permission for a fullblown occupation.
Sophie points out, But you said stay as long as you need and make yourself at home.
It was a figure of speech, not a lease! Emma snaps, fists clenched. Pack up and go. You have an hour.
James looks shocked, An hour? We have kids! Where will we go?
This is my property. You cant just move in without consent, Emma says firmly. Think before you take someone elses home.
Sophie, desperate, declares, By law, if someone hands over keys voluntarily, theyve consented to temporary residence. We have witnesses who can confirm you invited me to stay.
Who? Emma asks, incredulous.
Our neighbour, Helen Peters, heard us on the stairwell when I took the keys. She can testify that you said stay as long as you need, use everything you want.
Emma feels dizzy. She never imagined her best friend could twist her words so dramatically.
She calls the local police officer, PC Jones, who arrives later that evening. He listens, then says, So you gave the keys willingly, but you can revoke that permission at any time, especially since the flat is your sole residence.
Emma explains, I only meant for Sophie to water the orchids and check that everythings alright, not to move in with her whole family.
PC Jones notes, Without a written agreement, its a hesaidshesaid situation. They may claim temporary residence is allowed, which is hard to disprove without proof.
He suggests three options: a mediated talk, filing for an eviction, or giving them a week to find alternative housing.
Emma sighs, I need my flat back. My belongings, my documents, my medicines are all here. I cant stay in a hotel forever.
PC Jones replies, You could give them a reasonable period a week to locate somewhere else, especially since there are children involved. After that, you can pursue legal eviction.
Emma nods, Alright. Ill give them a week to move out, but only if they return everything to its original place and stop altering the flat.
The officer leaves, and the family gathers in the living room. James, looking remorseful, says, We didnt realise how badly wed overstepped. Well help put everything back.
Sophie, tears in her eyes, adds, Im so sorry, Emma. I let the stress of the renovation cloud my judgment.
Emma watches as the Andersons start pulling items from the storage cupboard: her figurines, her photographs, the cream curtains. Lily helps arrange knickknacks on the shelves, Daniel moves furniture back, and James hangs the original curtains.
By nightfall the flat looks almost as it did before. Some things are still slightly out of place, but the familiar order returns.
The Andersons set up a temporary sleeping area in the lounge, while Emma retreats to her bedroom, finally back in her own bed after two weeks in a hotel.
The next morning Emma wakes to the smell of fresh coffee. Sophie is at the stove, flipping pancakes.
Good morning, Sophie says shyly. I made the pancakes you love. Would you like to join me?
Emma hesitates, then smiles, Sure. Weve been friends a long time, after all.
Over breakfast the tension eases. Lily chatters about school, Daniel cracks a joke, and James talks about the news. Emma learns that James has a cousin in a nearby suburb who can offer them a flat while their renovation finishes, free of charge.
Thats great news, Emma says. Im glad you have a solution.
Later that day, as Emma returns from work, Sophie meets her in the hallway.
Were moving out tomorrow, Sophie says, without preamble. My brother has given us a place, so we can leave today.
Emma feels a mix of relief and sadness. Im sorry this happened, Sophie. Youve hurt my trust, but I understand you were under pressure.
Sophie lowers her head, I was wrong. Ill respect whatever you decide about our friendship.
Emma replies, I need time. Youve damaged my confidence in you, but maybe someday we can start over.
The Andersons pack their bags, hug Emma, and say goodbye. Lily clings to her, whispering, Sorry, Aunt Emma, youre the kindest. Daniel shakes her hand, and James helps with the last suitcase.
Before they leave, Sophie places a small wrapped box on the kitchen table. Inside is a delicate porcelain figurine of two women holding hands, with a note: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. Love, Sophie.
Emma watches the gift, remembering the many years of laughter and support. She wonders whether she can forgive, but deep down she knows that genuine friends, even after mistakes, remain in the heart forever.
