I left the keys to my flat with my best friend while I went on holiday, only to return and find that she had moved in with her whole family.
Mrs. Hart, I understand youre upset, but please stay calm, the local police constable said, rubbing his nose. So theyre refusing to leave your flat?
Theyre not just refusing! Mary Hart threw her hands up in despair. Emily told me she has every right to be there! Can you believe it? I gave her the keys just so she could water the plants, and sheshe Marys voice trembled.
Take a seat, the constable moved a chair closer. Tell me everything in order. When exactly did you hand the keys over to whom?
To Emily Brown, Mary replied, clutching a handkerchief. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Actually, we used to be friends she smiled bitterly. I never thought she could do something like this. Never!
Just two weeks earlier Mary Hart, 53, lived a steady, predictable life. She owned a cosy twobedroom flat in a respectable part of town, worked as an accountant for a wellregarded firm, and had an adult son who lived elsewhere with his family and visited now and then. Loneliness never bothered herafter a divorce ten years ago she had learned to value independence and peace.
That evening she was in the kitchen with her longtime friend Emily. They had met at an accountanttraining course and had kept in touch despite working for different companies.
Imagine, Emily, I finally booked a break! Mary poured fragrant tea into mugs. Im heading to Brighton for two weeks. Everythings paid for.
Really? Thats brilliant! Emily said, genuinely happy for her. Its been ages since youve had a holiday. Three years?
Four, Mary sighed. Since my mother fell ill I never managed to get away. Now it feels like the stars have finally alignedwork is quiet and my finances are in order.
Thats how it should be, Emily replied, sipping tea. You need to think of yourself once in a while. She paused, then added thoughtfully, You know, Im a bit jealous, honestly. Our house is a mess right nowrenovations, dust everywhere, workers from dawn till dusk, and the neighbours downstairs keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a trial, Mary agreed. But itll look beautiful afterwards.
If we survive it, Emily chuckled, Sam and the kids are already complaining about the chaos. We dream of escaping for a couple of weeks, but where? Hotels are pricey and staying with relatives is cramped.
Mary set her spoon down and looked at her friend. A thought struck her: why not ask Emily to look after her flat while she was away? She needed someone to water the plants and check that everything was alright.
Listen, Emily, could you help me? Stay at my place while Im at the sea? Water the flowers, keep an eye on the flat. It would also give you a break from the renovation.
Emilys face lit up.
Really? Youre not joking? she exclaimed. That would be a lifesaver! I could come in the evenings after work. I promise everything will stay perfect.
Stay as long as you need, Mary said generously, waving her hand. Itll be easier for me knowing someones there. You never know what could happen.
They spent the rest of the night working out the detailswhen Mary would leave, how often to water the plants, how frequently to ventilate the flat. Emily seemed genuinely grateful and vowed to treat the place with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Mary, Emily said shyly as she prepared to leave, would you mind if I occasionally spent the night here when Im exhausted from the endless trips?
Of course, Mary shrugged. The bedroom is ready, theres food in the fridge. Make yourself at home.
Later Mary would recall that phrasemake yourself at homewith a bitter hint of irony.
On the day of her departure Mary met Emily once more, handed over the keys, and showed her how to tend the finicky orchid on the windowsill.
Dont worry about a thing, Emily assured, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your break, and Ill look after everything here.
And Mary left feeling lighthearted, unaware of what awaited her on her return.
Two weeks in Brighton flew by like a single day. Mary sunbathed, swam in the sea, and even flirted a little with a pleasant gentleman from the nearby guesthousea first romantic spark in many years. She sent Emily a couple of photos of the coastline and received brief, warm replies: You look amazing! and Im green with envy!
When the taxi pulled up to the entrance of her block, Mary felt a pleasant fatigue and a hint of sadness that her holiday was ending. She climbed to the fourth floor, unlocked the door, and froze on the landing, eyes wide.
The hallway was full of unfamiliar shoesmens, womens, childrens. Hangers bore jackets and coats she didnt recognise. From deep inside the flat came the sounds of a television and laughter.
What on earth Mary began, when suddenly Emily peeked out of the kitchen.
Oh, Mary! Youre back already? Emily exclaimed with a forced smile. We were expecting you tomorrow.
Whats happening here? Mary felt the ground slip from under her. Why are there so many things in my flat? Whose shoes are these?
Well, Emily stammered, you did let me stay while you were away. So we
We? Mary walked into the living room and stopped. On her sofa sat Emilys husband, Alex, watching football. A teenage boy, about fourteen, sat in an armchair with a tablether older son, Daniel. At the dining table an eightyearold girl, Lily, was drawing.
Hello, Aunt Mary, the little girl said politely.
Alex turned off the TV and nodded. Hi, Mary. How was your break?
What are all of you doing here? Marys voice trembled. I asked Emily to water the plants and check the flat, not to move in with the whole family!
Dont get worked up, Mary, Emily said softly, though tension flickered in her eyes. You saw how chaotic our home was. The kids cant live with the dust and chemicals. We thought you wouldnt mind a few people staying in a empty flat. It helped us a lot as a temporary refuge.
A temporary refuge? Mary looked around, noticing that her beloved figurines had been removed from the shelves and replaced with strangers photographs. A painting she didnt own hung on the wall, and the curtains were now bright blue instead of her favourite cream.
Did you rearrange my flat? she asked, her throat tightening. Where are my things?
We stored them neatly in the cupboard, Emily hurriedly explained. The children needed space to play and study. We just made a few adjustmentsnothing serious.
Adjustments? Mary couldnt believe what she was hearing. This is my flat! My flat!
Mom, why is she shouting? Daniel asked, pausing his game. We havent broken anything.
Daniel, be quiet, Emily snapped at her son. Mary, lets talk calmly. Youre tired, we can have tea?
I dont want tea! Marys anger boiled over. I want you to pack up and leave my flat right now!
A nervous silence fell. Alex switched off the television and rose.
Mary, you dont understand, he began calmly. Our renovation is stuck; the workers say itll take at least another month. The kids cant stay there because of the dust and chemicals.
Thats not my problem, Mary cut in. I never gave permission for an entire family to live here. I only asked Emily to water the plants and occasionally check that everything was alright.
But you said stay as long as you need, Emily countered.
That was a figure of speech! Marys patience snapped. No sensible person would let a whole family move in, change the décor, and claim rights!
The constable, who had arrived after Marys call, raised his hand to halt the rising argument.
Ladies and gentlemen, the situation is clear: the owner of the property demands that you vacate. This is her legal right. Even an oral agreement for temporary stay can be withdrawn at any time, especially when it concerns a soleowners residence, the officer said.
Its not that simple, Alex protested. We have nowhere else to go! Our renovation has left the house a mess.
The owner is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation, the constable replied. Thats a generous offer considering the circumstances.
The room fell silent. Emily exchanged a glance with Alex, then lowered her head.
Fine, she said slowly. Well find somewhere else within a week.
Also, Mary added, I am moving back in right now. You may stay for the week, but you must return all my belongings to their original places and not alter anything else.
Emily pursed her lips but nodded.
Will you stay overnight to make sure the agreement is kept? the constable asked, eyes wary.
No need, Alex said suddenly. We understand. Were sorry, Mary. Emily misunderstood, and I got carried away. Well put everything back and look for a new place. Honest word.
Mary studied Alexs eyes and saw genuine remorse. Perhaps he truly hadnt realised how wrong theyd been.
Alright, she said. I trust you, Alex. I hope youll keep your promise.
The officer recorded everyones details, drafted a brief protocol of the agreement, and gave Mary his contact number for any further issues.
When he left, an awkward quiet settled over the flat. Emily fidgeted with the sleeve of her coat, avoiding Marys gaze.
Why, Emily? Mary asked softly. After fifteen years of friendship, why did you do this?
Emily lifted her eyes, brimming with tears. I didnt mean any harm. When we came here, it was clean and calm, unlike our own homedust, constant hammering, the kids getting sick. The flat was empty, so I thought one person here wouldnt matter, let alone four. Then it became uncomfortable to admit wed taken it without asking.
So you decided to claim you had a right to live here? Mary shook her head. You crossed a line, Emily. You cant treat friends like that.
I know, Emily whispered, head bowed. Im sorry. I was under a lot of stress from the renovation. When you returned earlier than we expected, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
Mom, lets just pack up and go, Daniel said, removing his headphones. Im ashamed to be here.
Mary stared at the teenager, surprised at his conscience.
No, Daniel, you dont have to leave right now, she said more gently. Im giving you a week, but Im moving back in. Thats my home.
Okay, Alex replied. Well take one room, youll have the other. Itll be fair, and well help put your things back.
To Marys astonishment, the whole Kuznets family spent the evening restoring the flat to its former state. They dug out her figurines, photographs, and books from the cupboard. Lily arranged the little trinkets on the shelves, Daniel moved furniture, and Alex rehung the original curtains. Even Emily, after a moment of embarrassment, worked hard to set things right.
By nightfall the flat looked almost as it had before. Some items were still slightly out of place, and a few were missing, but the essential order was restored. The Kuznetses settled in the living roomparents on the sofa, Lily on a folding chair, Daniel on the floorwhile Mary reclaimed her bedroom, swapping the hotel bed for her familiar mattress.
The next morning Mary woke to the smell of fresh coffee. In the kitchen, Emily was busy at the stove.
Good morning, Emily said hesitantly. I thought maybe we could have breakfast together? I made the pancakes you like.
Mary hesitated, then nodded. Despite everything, they had been friends for many years, and Emilys remorse seemed sincere.
At breakfast the atmosphere gradually eased. Lily chatted about school, Daniel cracked a joke, and Alex discussed the news with Mary, reminiscent of the easy talks they used to have.
By the way, Alex said, my cousin has a spare flat in the neighboring suburb. Hes letting it out for free while his own renovation is paused. We could move in there temporarily.
Really? Emily looked surprised. Why didnt you mention it earlier?
Alex blushed. I didnt want to ask for a favour. You know how I get on with my brotherinlaw. But we have nowhere else, so we had to look.
Mary felt relief. The Kuznetses would indeed find somewhere else, and the conflict would end sooner than she had feared.
Thats wonderful, she said earnestly. Im glad things are working out for you.
Later that day, when Mary returned from work, Emily met her in the hallway.
Were moving out, Emily said without preamble. Our cousin gave the okay, we can move in today. Ive already packed our things.
Mary didnt know whether to feel joy at the return of peace or sadness that a fifteenyear friendship had been so strained.
Im sorry everything turned out like this, Emily, she said quietly.
Im sorry too, Emily lowered her eyes. I was wrongvery wrong. I understand if you never want to speak to me again, but I want you to know I value our friendship and hope you can forgive me someday.
Mary looked at her old friend and realised that, despite the hurt and disappointment, fifteen years of shared history could not simply be erased. People make mistakes, sometimes grave ones. Yet holding onto anger forever serves no one.
I cant say Ill forgive you right now, Mary replied honestly. My trust was broken, and I need time. Perhaps, one day, we can start anew.
An hour later the Kuznets family left the flat. On their way out Lily gave Mary a tight hug and whispered, Sorry, Aunt Mary. Youre the kindest. Daniel shook her hand awkwardly, and Alex helped with the last bags.
Emily lingered at the doorway.
I left you a gift on the kitchen table, she said. Its an apology and a thankyou for not throwing us out straight away.
Mary opened the box to find a delicate porcelain figurine of two women holding hands. A note was attached: True friendship endures trials. I hope ours will survive. With love, Emily.
Mary stared at the gift, recalling the many good moments theyd shared. Could she ever forgive her friend? She didnt have an answer yet, but deep down she knew that, in time, she would give their friendship another chance. Because real friends, even after serious mistakes, remain in the heart forever.
The lesson was clear: trust is fragile, but compassion and forgiveness can mend even the deepest cracks, restoring both homes and relationships.
