Nothing had changed
I walked into the flat feeling lighthearted, a box of cake in my hands a cake Id bought especially for Mum and Brian.
From somewhere inside the flat music drifted out, mingling with muffled voices.
My name, spoken by my stepdad, made me freeze in the hallway.
How much longer do I have to put up with your Emily? Brians tone was sharp. Shes a pain in the neck.
I held my breath, pressed back against the wall. My heart hammered so hard I could swear they could hear it.
Dont get worked up. Let her pay for the anniversary and then she can go off somewhere else. For now, keep your voice down, softer than a whisper.
His words snatched the breath from me. My fingers clenched the cardboard box so hard it almost crumpled into a wafer.
Ah, so thats what they wanted from me, a thought flashed through my mind.
I slipped toward the door, trying to stay unseen. The moment it shut behind me, I tumbled down the stairs in a hurry.
Outside the sun shone just as brightly, but the world seemed to have lost its colour.
I lowered myself onto a bench in the small park across the road. The cake box rested on my knees, and I stared at it, trying to make sense of everything.
Five years of silence
Five long years I hadnt crossed the threshold of my parents house. I hadnt heard Mums voice or seen her face.
And then, out of the blue, a call and an invitation to an anniversary.
Brian had entered our lives when I was fifteen a small boy with a sly squint and a perpetual grin.
Emily! hed shout, winking at Mum. Our slim little thing, bonethin, shell be whisked away by the first wind!
Mum would laugh at his jokes, looking at him as if he were reciting the greatest truths of humanity.
Brian, youre a character! shed clap. What a joker!
I would sit, eyes down, trying to make myself invisible.
Mum, hes going too far, I finally muttered one day.
Oh, dear, youre being dramatic, she brushed off. Its just jokes.
Each day Mum drifted further away, as if an invisible wall rose between us. I clung to memories of Dad, who had always protected and believed in me.
Dad had been gone for two years, but he had set up an account that received a monthly stipend for my education. I dreamed of finishing school, moving to London, and getting into university a fresh start without Brian and his jokes that turned my world upside down.
I believed. I waited.
Graduation
After the graduation party I felt like I was soaring. School was behind me; a new life stretched ahead.
When I opened the flats door, I stopped dead. Ten strangers sat at the festive table.
The air smelled of roast and something sugary. Glasses clinked, laughter boomed.
Brian, perched at the head of the table with Mum beside him, was the first to notice me.
Ah, our graduate has arrived! he boomed. Come, beauty, lets celebrate a double occasion your graduation and my new boat!
I walked uncertainly to the table. Someone shuffled aside, making room.
Ladies and gentlemen, Brian gestured, meet Emily, my stepdaughter. Ive poured my heart into her, raised her like my own!
His friends nodded, and I stood there, fork in hand.
Images flashed: him forcing me to wash his car in the cold, mocking my grades, insisting Id end up selling at the market after school.
Emilys a bit daft, Brian continued. Shes just finished school. Now shell work, right, love?
I stayed silent, poking at the salad.
Come off it, Brian, a guest laughed. Let the girl study.
What will she study? Brian squinted. Works more important now. Ive already arranged with Mr. Harris shell be a shop assistant in his store. Standing behind a counter isnt exactly Newtons calculus.
The table erupted in laughter, and I felt a fire rise inside me.
Betrayal
When Mum slipped away to the kitchen, I followed.
Mum, I need to talk, I whispered.
She seemed a little tipsy, eyes glittering, movements loose.
What is it? she said, setting a stack of plates down.
Im applying to university in London, my voice trembled. I need the money from my account.
Mum froze, then turned slowly.
What money? she asked, frowning.
The money Dad saved for my education, I repeated.
Oh, that, she waved dismissively, as if it were a trifle. There isnt any left.
The world tilted.
How can there be none? I whispered. There was
There isnt, she snapped. Brian needed the money for his boat and the feast we threw.
I looked at her, not recognizing the caring mother who used to read me bedtime stories.
You spent my money? I could barely believe my ears.
Technically it was in my name, Mum shrugged. And Brian does so much for us. He deserves a boat and a holiday.
At that moment Brian burst into the kitchen.
Emily! he shouted. Ive struck a deal with Mr. Harris. From Monday youll be his cashier! He laughed loudly.
I turned and left the kitchen, heading to my room. My hands shook as I rummaged through the chest of drawers, searching for Dads gifts gold earrings, a pendant chain, Grandmas ring. I found them hidden at the bottom of an old shoe box, untouched.
Dad hadnt made it to this point. For now, they would be enough in London.
I sat on the bed, looking at Dads photograph on the nightstand.
Ill manage, Dad, I whispered. I promise.
Unexpected call
Five years flew by like a single day. London greeted me with rain, fog, and the warmth of new friends. University, a night job in a café, a dorm room with flatmate Megan life settled, and I tried not to dwell on the past.
My phone rang early on a Tuesday. An unknown number.
I rarely answer such calls, but something made me press the green button.
Hello?
Emily! Darling! Its so lovely to hear your voice!
I stayed silent, gathering my thoughts.
Are you there? she asked. Emily, can you hear me?
Yes, I replied briefly. I hear you.
How are you? Hows life? her tone was unusually affectionate. Ive missed you so much!
Five years I didnt think about it, and now youre calling, I thought. Everythings fine Im studying, Im working.
Good for you! she exclaimed. Im turning fifty soon can you come over? Id love to have you at the celebration.
I almost laughed at the surprise.
Really? After everything thats happened?
Oh, stop living in the past, she sighed, irritation slipping in. Everyone makes mistakes. Im sorry. I want us to be a family again.
I closed my eyes. Brians smug face appeared, his perpetual grin.
What about Brian? I asked. Does he want to see me too?
Of course! she replied too quickly. He asks about you all the time. Hes worried.
Alright, I said, surprising myself. Ill come.
Really? she sounded genuinely surprised. When can I expect you?
In a week, I think.
After hanging up, I stared out the window, wondering why Id agreed. What was I hoping to find? Part of me wanted to see Mum again. Maybe she had truly changed.
A week later I stood on the doorstep of my parents flat. Mum flung the door open and hugged me tightly.
Darling, look at you! Youve grown into a beautiful young woman! she babbled.
We sat in the kitchen, drinking tea, and Mum chatted about neighbours, local gossip, and then, almost as an afterthought:
Emily, Ive been thinking my anniversary is coming, and Ive got no money, she said, eyes downcast.
I took her hand, looked her in the eye.
Dont worry, Mum. Ill cover everything.
The net tightens
After sitting on a park bench and sorting my thoughts, I straightened my back and headed back to the house.
Theyll get what they deserve, I promised myself.
I slammed the flats door shut so loudly they could hear.
A moment later, Mum emerged, a strained smile on her face.
Emily! I was wondering where youd vanished to! she sang. Come in, lets have tea.
I returned her smile and handed her the cake box.
Here, a little treat for you, I said, voice brighter than it had been in years. And I have a brilliant idea for your anniversary!
What is it? Mums eyes lit up with curiosity.
Ive booked a fancy countryside restaurant for your celebration with a fountain, live music, even a coach to bring all the guests! I blurted. Imagine it!
Mum clapped her hands like a child.
Oh, Emily, youre my golden girl! she shouted, pulling me into an embrace. Brian will love it!
Yes, I think hell be thrilled, I replied.
We settled at the kitchen table, and Mum began listing the guests. I listened halfheartedly, then slipped in:
By the way, my friends grandmother has nowhere to live. I could sell her my halfshare of the flat to her.
Mums smile faded instantly, her eyes narrowing.
Whats that about? she asked coldly.
Dont worry! Wouldnt you prefer to offload it yourself? I waved my hand nonchalantly. Shes quiet, rarely leaves her room. Ill give you half the money, enough for living expenses.
Mums face changed in an instant.
How much are we talking about? she demanded.
I named a sum that made her eyes widen.
That much? Well, of course! Let her move in.
I grabbed a piece of paper and began scribbling.
Sign the sale notice, I said, barely looking at her.
Mum snatched the pen and, without reading, signed her name.
Great, I smiled. Now, lets think about what dress youll wear.
The payoff
The anniversary day was sunny and warm. A large tourist coach parked outside our house, and guests in festive attire began to arrive.
Brian swaggered through the crowd, gesturing loudly, laughing at his own stories.
Spotting me, his grin widened.
Oh, look whos here our benefactor! he shouted. Emily always knows how to thank us for a happy childhood!
A guest laughed, and I offered a polite smile.
Is everyone ready? I asked Mum.
Yes, dear, she replied. Arent you coming with us?
Ill be there by taxi later, I said. I still have a few things to sort out.
Such a caring daughter you are! she exclaimed.
The guests boarded the coach. I had already arranged with the driver: fifty percent up front, the rest on return.
When the bus disappeared around the corner, I dialed.
Hello, Victor? Its Emily. Could I view the flat today? As soon as possible?
I imagined the crowd of guests, led by Mum and Brian, arriving at the countryside restaurant that nobody was actually waiting for. I pictured them calling me, while my phone was dead, and they having to split the cost of the ride back.
Half an hour later a broadshouldered man in a tracksuit pulled up my buyer, Victor Stead, a former weightlifter. He looked friendly but his gaze suggested hed seen it all.
Everythings as we agreed. Im moving in today, he said.
Excellent, I replied, smiling. Im sure youll get along with the neighbours.
When he left, I walked through the flat one last time, the place of my childhood, full of both good and bad memories. Dads photograph still sat on the shelf in my room. I slipped it into my bag.
Leaving the flat, I imagined Brians face when he learned about the new neighbour, and Mums reaction when she realised the restaurant would be empty and the money from my share would never reach her.
They say revenge is a dish best served cold.
But as I closed the door behind me, the one I would never reenter, a quiet warmth settled in my chest. I had taken control of my own future, and in doing so I discovered that true strength lies not in retaliation, but in moving forward with dignity. The real lesson: letting go frees the heart more than any act of vengeance ever could.
