Poppy calls her sister over. Then she shoves her out.
I told you get out of my house right now! Poppy stands in the doorway, arms crossed, her voice sharp with anger.
Whats wrong with you? Mabel looks at her, puzzled. You invited me, you asked me to stay while
Ive changed my mind! Poppy interrupts. Enough! Pack your things and get out!
Mabel glances at the bag lying by the sofa. She arrived three hours ago and hasnt even managed to unpack.
Poppy, at least tell me whats happening, Mabel tries to stay calm, but her voice trembles.
Nothing happened. I just dont need you here. I thought I could handle having you around, but I cant. Ill call a cab for you, fine.
Mabel walks slowly to the sofa, picks up her bag. Her hands feel clumsy, a lump sits in her throat. The sisters havent seen each other for almost two years, since Mums funeral. One moment Poppys warm phone call, an invitation to stay and now shes being thrown out without a word.
Ill be quick, Mabel whispers, holding back tears.
Poppy taps her fingers nervously on the doorframe, watching Mabel pull out the few items she managed to remove from the bag. Her face stays unreadable, only the tension in her cheekbones betrays her.
Mabel stops at the door, looks at Poppy. They share the same brown eyes, high cheekbones, stubborn chin. Yet now Poppy looks like a stranger.
Goodbye, Mabel says, stepping over the threshold.
Goodbye, Poppy echoes, slamming the door.
Mabel walks down the stairs, replaying fragments of their last phone call from a week ago.
Mabel, come over, Poppys voice on the line is unusually soft. Stay with me while the work at your flat finishes. Weve got to mend things, dont you think?
Are you sure? Mabel asks cautiously. After everything
Come on! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our fights, but its time to end that. Come Saturday, Ill pick you up.
Now Mabel stands on the street with her bag, trying to make sense of what changed in those three hours. Poppy had welcomed her, set the table, asked about her life then vanished into another room, supposedly to answer a call, and returned as if she were a different person.
Her phone buzzes. A message from Poppy: The cab will be there in seven minutes. Wait by the entrance.
Mabel sighs and heads toward the buildings exit. Its chilly outside, a light drizzle starts. She sets her bag down, pulls out her phone she needs to figure out where to go next.
The only option is Mark, a former classmate they have been texting lately. He lives alone in a twobed flat and will probably let her stay a few days while she finds somewhere else.
Hello, Mark? Mabel says as he answers. Ive got a bit of a situation
Mark listens to her hurried story, then without fuss gives her his address.
Ill be there, dont worry, he says, his calm tone easing her nerves a little.
In the taxi Mabel finally lets the tears flow. She feels a sting of betrayal. What did she ever do to deserve this? Did the old quarrel over Mums estate run that deep?
She remembers the fight after Mum died. Poppy wanted to sell the family house and split the money; Mabel insisted on keeping it because it held too many memories. In the end Mabel bought Poppys share, went into debt, and kept the house. Maybe Poppy still harbours a grudge.
The cab stops at Marks block. Mabel pays, steps out. Mark is waiting by the entrance, a friendly grin on his face.
No need for that gloomy look, he jokes, taking her bag. Well sort this out.
His flat is warm and cosy. He brews tea, offers biscuits, and listens as Mabel recounts everything.
Something feels off, Mark says thoughtfully after she finishes. Poppy didnt just invite you for nothing. Something must have happened while you were there.
Nothing special, Mabel shrugs. We had tea, chatted she talked about work, a holiday to the coast last month. Then her phone rang, she stepped into another room, and when she came back she was angry.
Doesnt it seem strange that she left the room? What was that about?
Mabel pauses.
I dont know. She spoke quietly, but when she returned she started asking how long I planned to stay, even though wed talked about a twoweek stay while the renovation finishes.
Whos doing the work? Mark asks.
A crew Poppy recommended, supposedly friends of her exhusband, good and cheap, Mabel replies with a bitter smile. She said theyre reliable.
Mark frowns.
Did you ever check how the work is going?
No, I trust them. I have the keys but havent been in a week since they started. I was going to drop by in a couple of days.
Lets check now, Mark suggests. I have a bad feeling.
Now? Its late
Thats why. If everythings fine, we go back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later theyre pulling up to Mabels flat. Shes nervous all the way, wondering what could be wrong.
She climbs the stairs to her door and hears muffled voices and the shuffling of furniture.
Someones in there, she whispers, frozen.
Mark takes the keys and pushes the door open.
Boxes and bags litter the hallway. In the living room, amid the chaos, Poppy stands explaining something to two burly movers who are lugging a wardrobe.
Whats happening? Mabel asks, eyes wide.
Poppy flinches, then looks at her with surprise turning to irritation.
Mabel? What are you doing here?
Thats my question! Whats going on in my flat?
Poppy smooths her hair, trying to sound composed.
I can explain
I hope so, Mabel replies, crossing her arms just as Poppy had done hours earlier.
Poppy glances at the movers, who pause uncertainly.
Guys, a break, please, she says, and they step out.
Im waiting, Mabel reminds her.
Poppy sighs heavily and sits on the sofa.
Im divorcing Ian. He threw me out of our place and I have nowhere else to go. I thought I could stay here until I find something.
So you tricked me with the renovation story just to move in? Mabels voice shakes.
Not exactly, Poppy looks away. I really wanted to make peace. 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.
So you basically tried to steal my flat? Mabels hands tremble with anger. To kick me out of my own home?
Id explain later! Poppy raises her voice. I just have nowhere to go right now. And your friends, the renovators, could let you stay
Which renovators? Mabel snaps. Theres no renovation!
Right, Poppy grimaces. I invented it so youd come. I hoped youd hand over the flat temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
Im stubborn? Mabel gasps. Youre the one manipulating and lying to your own sister! Trying to steal my home! Whats happened to you, Poppy?
Poppy jumps up, fury flashing across her face.
Whats wrong with me? Its you! You were always Mums favourite, everything came easy for you! And now the flat too If wed sold it back then I could have bought a place and not been dependent on Ian all these years!
So thats it, Mabel says quietly. You never forgave me for trying to keep Mums house? But I paid you your share, even if it took a while!
Its not about the money! Poppy shouts. Its that you always ignored my feelings, only thought of yourself!
Thats not true, Mabel shakes her head. Ive always cared for you. Im still trying giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Poppy asks cautiously.
You have a choice. Either you pack your stuff right now and leave my flat, or I call the police and file a report for illegal entry.
Mark, who has been watching silently, steps forward.
Mabel, maybe theres a compromise? Youre sisters
No, Mabel says firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by your games. Poppy, decide leave or the police.
Poppy looks at her with hatred, but the determination in Mabels eyes forces her to concede.
Fine. Ill go. But dont think this is over, she mutters, gathering her things.
An hour later Poppy slams the door shut. Mabel collapses onto the sofa, feeling hollow and weary.
Do you want me to stay with you? Mark asks softly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, she nods. I need someone right now.
Of course, he squeezes her hand. I think Poppys going through a rough patch divorce, no roof over her head. It doesnt excuse her behaviour, but it explains it.
Maybe, Mabel sighs. Im tired of our endless fights. She always thinks Ive had it easy, but she doesnt know the truth.
She pauses, gathering her thoughts.
When Mum died, it was devastating. We were close, but instead of supporting each other we drifted apart. She immediately pushed to sell the house, as if that were the most important thing For me that home is the last thread that ties me to Mum.
I get that, Mark says, holding her tighter. Grief shows up differently for everyone. For Poppy it might be a way to escape painful memories.
Perhaps, Mabel agrees. But lying, luring me out of my home Thats too much. I dont know if I can forgive her yet.
Give yourself time, Mark advises. And her as well. When the anger cools, maybe youll both be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, Mabel replies uncertainly. But first I need to sort out my own feelings.
They sit in silence, the evening deepening outside. The flat, still echoing with Poppys brief presence, grows quiet. Mabel reflects on how strange life has become a sister who once meant everything now feels almost an enemy. And a former classmate has turned out to be more reliable than blood.
Thanks, Mabel finally says, breaking the hush. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, Mark smiles. Actually, Ive been meaning to suggest something How about a weekend trip to the cinema or a walk in the park?
Mabels eyes light up, and she returns the smile.
Id love that.
A week later her phone rings. Its Poppy. Her finger hovers over the endcall button, then she answers.
Hello, Poppys voice sounds tentative. Mabel, we need to talk.
About what? Mabel asks coolly.
I Poppy stammers. I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Mabel stays silent, unsure how to respond.
Im in a tough spot right now, Poppy continues. Thats no excuse for my behaviour. I shouldnt have treated you that way.
You shouldnt have, Mabel agrees.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, Poppys voice quivers. I just hope one day you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
Mabel takes a deep breath.
I dont know, Poppy. I need time.
Of course, Poppy says quickly. I understand. Just know I truly regret it.
After the call Mabel watches the street through the window, thinking about everything. Poppy, with all her flaws, is still the only close relative left after Mum. Maybe, with time, forgiveness will come. Not now. She needs to heal her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzes with a message from Mark: How about a walk in the park tomorrow? Supposed to be nice out.
Mabel smiles and replies: Sounds perfect.
Life goes on, despite everything. Perhaps one day Mabel and Poppy will rebuild their bond, but for now the priority is to value the people who truly stand by you in hard times and let go of the toxic ties, even if theyre family.
