23October2025
Dear Diary,
Emily called me a few days ago, begging me to stay at her flat while my own place is being refurbished. I packed a small suitcase, paid the £7taxi fare, and drove out to the suburb of Croydon, three hours after the funeral. I was still in a daze when I knocked on her door.
Come in, James, she shouted, arms crossed, voice trembling with anger. Get out of my houseright now!
I was taken aback. Whats happened, Em? You invited me, you asked me to stay while
Ive changed my mind! she snapped. Enough! Gather your things and leave!
My suitcase lay by the sofa; I hadnt even managed to unpack. I tried to keep my tone steady, but my voice shook. Emily, please explain whats going on.
She brushed me off. Nothing. I just dont want you here. I thought I could handle you staying, but I cant. Ill call a taxi for you, if thats what you want.
I picked up the bag slowly, my hands stiff, a lump in my throat. It had been nearly two years since wed seen each othersince Mums burial. The last call from Emily had been warm, an invitation to stay, and now she was shooing me out without a word of why.
Ill be quick, I whispered, trying not to cry.
Emily fidgeted with her fingers on the doorframe, watching me pull out the few items Id managed to squeeze into the bag. Her face stayed stonecold; only the lines at the corners of her mouth gave away the tension.
I paused at the threshold, looking at her. We share the same hazel eyes, the same high cheekbones and stubborn chin. Yet, in that moment, she seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, I said, stepping out.
Goodbye, Emily echoed, slamming the door behind me.
The lift down the building creaked as I descended, replaying the last phone conversation wed had a week earlier.
Poppy, come over, Emilys voice had been soft then. Stay with me until the work at your flat is finished. Its high time we patched things up, dont you think?
Are you sure? I had asked cautiously. After everything thats happened
Come on, were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to put that behind us. Come Saturday, Ill meet you.
And this is where the story turned. Emily greeted me warmly, set a teapot on the table, asked about my life, then disappeared into another room, claiming she needed to take a call. When she returned, she was a different person.
My phone buzzed. A text from Emily: Your taxi will be here in 7minutes. Wait at the entrance.
I sighed, stepped out into the drizzle that had started to fall. I set my bag down, pulled out my phone, and tried to think of a place to go.
The only option was Paulan old schoolmate wed kept in touch with lately. He lived alone in a twobedroom flat in Islington and would surely offer me a roof for a few days while I sorted things out.
Hello, Paul? I said when he answered. Ive got a bit of a situation
He listened without interruption, then gave me his address. Dont worry, Ill be waiting, he said, his calm tone easing a little of the pressure in my chest.
In the taxi, the tears finally came. Hurt burned in my heart. What had I done to deserve this cold treatment? Had the old grievances from Mums death festered so deep that Emily could no longer stand me for even a few hours?
I remembered the dispute over the family house after Mum passed. Emily wanted to sell the councilowned flat and split the money, while I insisted on keeping ittoo many memories were tied up in those walls. I bought her share, went into debt, and held onto the property. Perhaps she still blamed me for that.
The driver pulled up in front of a modest brick house. I paid the driver, stepped out, and found Paul waiting with a grin.
Dont look so glum, James, he said, taking my bag. Well manage.
His flat was warm and cosy. He brewed a pot of tea, laid out biscuits, and listened as I recounted everything.
You know, Paul mused after I finished, something feels off. Emily didnt just ask you over for nothing. Something must have happened while you were there.
It was nothing special, I shrugged. We had tea, chatted about her job, her recent trip to Brighton. Then she got a call, went into another room, and when she came back she was angry.
What was the call about? Paul asked.
Im not sure. She spoke quietly, then started questioning how long I planned to stay, even though wed agreed on a couple of weeks while the work was finished.
Whos doing the work?
The crew Emily recommendedsupposedly friends of her exhusband, cheap and reliable, I replied, a bitter smile forming. I havent checked on them myself. I have the keys, but I havent been in there since they started.
Pauls brow furrowed. Shall we take a look now? I have a bad feeling.
Its already late
Thats why we should go. If everythings fine well head back; if not, at least well know.
Half an hour later we were driving to my flat. I was anxious all the way, wondering what could have gone wrong.
As we climbed the stairs to my flat, muffled voices and the scrape of furniture drifted from the hallway.
Someones inside, I whispered, frozen.
Paul took the keys from my hand and opened the door. The entrance hall was strewn with boxes and bags. In the living room, amid the chaos, Emily stood with two burly movers handling a large wardrobe.
Whats happening here? I demanded, eyes scanning the scene.
Emily flinched, surprise flashing across her face before being replaced by irritation.
James? What are you doing here?
This is my question! What are you doing in my flat?
She tried to steady herself, smoothing her hair. I can explain
I hope you can, I retorted, folding my arms just as I had done at Emilys door weeks ago.
Emily glanced at the movers, who hesitated.
Gentlemen, pause for a moment, she said, and they stepped out, relieved.
Im waiting, I reminded her.
She let out a heavy sigh and sank onto the sofa.
Im divorcing Ian. He kicked me out of our house and I have nowhere to stay. I thought I could crash here until I find something else.
So you lured me out with a fake repair, then moved in yourself? I said, disbelief creeping into my voice.
Its not exactly that, Emily muttered, eyes dropping. Initially I really wanted to make amends. I thought we could live together for a while, rebuild our relationship but then I realised I couldnt. Too much has built up between us, James.
And thats why you tried to steal my flat? Throw me out of my own home? I felt my hands tremble with anger.
I would have explained later! Emily snapped. I simply had nowhere to go. I thought the movers could help me shift some of my stuff here, and maybe youd let me stay until I sort things out.
What movers? Theres no work being done! I shouted.
Yes, I made that up so youd come, Emily admitted, a twisted grin appearing. I hoped youd agree to let me stay, but youre too stubborn.
Im stubborn? I retorted, voice rising. Youre the one manipulating and lying to your own sister! Youre trying to evict me from my home! What happened to you, Emily?
She leapt from the sofa, fury on her face. Whats happened to you? Youve always been Mums favourite, everything fell into your lap! And now you have the flat If wed sold it back then, I could have bought a place and not been stuck with Ian all these years!
Thats why youre angry, I said quietly. You never forgave me for trying to keep Mums flat. I did pay you your share, albeit later than you wanted.
Its not about the money! Emily cried. Its that youve always dismissed my feelings! You only think of yourself!
Not true, I shook my head. Ive always cared for you. I even gave you a chance to fix this now.
What do you mean? Emily asked warily.
You have a choice. Either you pack your things and leave my flat right now, or I call the police and press charges for unlawful entry.
Paul, who had been silent until now, stepped forward. James, perhaps theres a compromise? Youre sisters after all
No, I answered firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by your games. Emily, decideleave now or I involve the authorities.
Emily stared at me, hatred in her eyes, but something in my resolve made her lower her shoulders.
Fine. Ill go, she said, gathering her belongings. Dont think this is over.
She slammed the door shut an hour later, the sound echoing through the flat. I sank onto the sofa, a wave of emptiness washing over me.
Do you want me to stay with you? Paul asked softly, sitting beside me.
If you dont mind, I whispered. I could use some company.
Of course, he said, taking my hand. I think Emily is going through a rough patchdivorce, no roof over her head. That doesnt excuse what she did, but it does explain it.
Maybe, I sighed. But Im tired of these endless fights. She always thinks I owe her something, that lifes been easier for me. Its not.
I fell silent, gathering my thoughts.
When Mum died, it was a terrible blow. She was my anchor, and the flat is the last thread that ties me to her, I finally confessed. Emily immediately wanted to sell, as if that were the simplest solution. For me, keeping the house meant keeping Mums memory alive.
Grief shows itself in different ways, Paul replied, squeezing my hand. For Emily, maybe its a way to escape painful recollections. Its not an excuse, but its a clue.
Perhaps, I muttered. But betrayal and deception are too much to overlook now. I dont know if I can forgive her yet.
Give yourself time, Paul advised. And give her time too. When the anger cools, you might be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, I said uncertainly. First I need to sort out my own feelings.
We sat in companionable silence as dusk settled over the city. The flat, now empty of Emilys presence, felt quieter than ever. It struck me how quickly a sister who was once my closest confidante could turn into almost an adversary. Yet an old schoolfriend proved more reliable than blood.
Thank you, I said, breaking the quiet. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Paul smiled. Actually, I was thinkinghow about a walk in HydePark tomorrow? The weathers supposed to be fine.
I laughed, the tension easing a little. Id like that.
A week later, my phone buzzed. Emilys name glowed on the screen. My finger hovered over the end call button, then I answered.
Hello? her voice sounded tentative. James, we need to talk.
What about? I asked, voice cool.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
I stayed silent, unsure what to say.
Im in a tough spot, but that doesnt excuse my behaviour. I shouldnt have acted that way toward you.
You shouldnt have, I agreed.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, she continued, her voice shaking. I just hope one day you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
I exhaled deeply. I dont know, Emily. I need time.
Of course, she replied quickly. Just know I truly regret it.
After hanging up, I stared out the window, reflecting on everything. Emily, with all her flaws, was still my sisterthe only close family left after Mums passing. Perhaps, in time, I could find it in myself to let go of the hurt. But not today. Right now I have to mend my own wounds and learn to trust again.
My phone buzzed again, this time a message from Paul: Park tomorrow? Looks sunny.
I smiled and typed back: Looking forward to it.
Life marches on, no matter how tangled the relationships become. The lesson Im taking away is simple: cherish the people who stand by you when the world turns cold, and dont cling to ties that only bring pain, even if theyre bound by blood.
James.
