Who are you lot? the lady asked, startled, as she opened the flats front door.
Victoria had been travelling back from a business assignment that day. This time the job had run longer than usual; she needed to doublecheck the work of the previous auditor. With a pile of tasks to finish she decided, after obtaining approval from her superiors, to linger a couple of days longer.
The return home felt both longawaited and welcome. Outside, a dreary autumn drizzle fell, heavy clouds blotted the sky, and occasional slivers of a muted, washedout horizon peeked through. A chilly wind slipped under her light coat and the thin scarf she had wrapped round her neck as the train pulled into the station.
All she could think of was the warmth of her favourite thick housecoat, a hot meal, and then, curled up beside her beloved husband, watching a cheerful film on their modest home cinema.
She alighted from the carriage, gathered the light handbag that held only the bare essentials, and stepped onto the platform in front of the station, where the black cabs usually idled. Spotting the first one that was close, she hailed it and asked to be taken home.
The cab driver turned out to be garrulous, perhaps suffering from a lack of conversation in his line of work.
Our town isnt exactly hospitable, is it? Visiting? he said, revving the engine.
No, just home, Victoria replied rather curtly.
She had no desire for small talk, yet the driver pressed on, his demeanor coaxing her into a chat.
From a work trip, you say? Is your husband aware youre back? You never know what situations might arise, you see he smiled at his reflection in the rearview mirror, his chatter never tiring.
He knows. He always waits for me, she answered.
Good. Forewarned is forearmed, I always say. Its common sense, a sign of respect when one partner tells the other of his arrival, to avoid any misunderstandings, he chuckled again.
Victoria said nothing, buried herself in her phone, and the driver finally gave her some space, for which she thanked him silently.
The streets flashing past the window were familiar; the lanes shed known since childhood. Victoria loved her city and always returned here with pleasure, especially now that she and Ian had finally bought the new flat theyd dreamed of for years. Their new home felt cosy thanks to the couples joint effort and seemed to welcome its occupants.
A few years earlier, right after their wedding, the young pair had rented a modest flat near Victorias parents. Her mother often dropped by to help look after little Emily. Victoria was ever grateful for that support. When Emily turned five, and Victoria had been working for the National Audit Office for several years, she and Ian decided to purchase their own place on a mortgage. Their finances had by then stabilised enough to meet the repayments comfortably.
They chose a modern neighbourhood with a contemporary school that Emily would soon attend. The building was brandnew, only a couple of years old, which appealed to both of them.
They kept to themselves with the neighbours; it was hard to live in such a large block as one big family, but neither Victoria nor Ian were embarrassed by that. Their work and daily routines left little time for socialising.
It must be nearly evening now, and Ian should be home. Hell have collected Emily from nursery, and theyll be waiting for me, Victoria thought fondly, smiling at the idea.
She dialled Ians number.
Love, are you home? Im on the cab, will be there in about five minutes, she said.
Yes, were waiting, Ian replied.
Perfect!
She rose to the eighth floor, turned the flats door, and stepped inside, only to be taken aback. For a moment she wondered if she had entered the wrong flat, for the scene inside seemed oddly foreign.
The flat buzzed like a beehive.
Good afternoon! a woman in a tracksuit and house shoes, looking about fifty, called out as she passed Victoria toward the bathroom.
From the hallway the kitchen was visible, where a man and a woman, both around forty, sat sipping tea from mugs Victoria recognised as hers, and were nibbling on her favourite cherry jam.
Victoria froze at the threshold, unsure whether to move further. A boy and a girl darted past, followed by an elderly ladypresumably their grandmotherwho raised her voice in a stern but caring tone:
No mischief, now! Sit down and stay put until we sort this out!
Seeing Victoria, the old lady smiled and greeted her politely.
Come in, dont be shy. The flats owner, Ian, is in the next room playing with the children, she said as if nothing were amiss.
Who are you all? Victoria managed, her voice hoarse.
Were your neighbours. And you must be the lady Ians been expecting, right? the elderly woman guessed.
Yes, Im the owner. Whats happening here? Victoria finally found her voice. Ian! Where are you? Come out!
She longed to see her husband, to understand why her cosy, beautiful flat had suddenly turned into something resembling a bustling station hall. The din was deafening; from the living room came the sound of a cartoon being projected and childrens laughter.
She pushed through the shoes piled by the hall and drew nearer to the living room. The sight that met her eyes was astonishing.
On the expensive carpet that covered the spacious lounge, adults and children were sprawled, all staring at the television. At last she spotted Ian, seated on the floor beside their daughter Emily, whose bright smile told Victoria that the little girl was delighted.
The sofa and armchairs were all taken, so Victoria could only try, with gestures, to attract Ians attention and demand an explanation.
Ian saw her and rose, his expression a mix of surprise and concern.
Hello, love! Youve finally made it. Weve got guests.
Guests? What on earth is going on? Who are these people filling every room of our flat, and why are they here? Victorias frustration bubbled over. How could you let strangers into our home!
Calm down, darling. Its only temporary, Ian tried to embrace her, his tone gentle. They promised theyd leave by evening, once everythings sorted, he added.
Sorted? Can you explain properly? I rushed home hoping for warmth and a quiet dinner, to hold you. Instead I find nowhere to sit, let alone lie down, and I cant even change my coat! she was on the brink of tears.
At that moment a couple emerged from the kitchen, still smiling.
Thanks for the tea! It was lovely and really helped warm us up, they said.
Youre welcome! Ian replied. You see, the block next door suffered a power and gas outage. It was an emergency, you know? Those neighbours were left freezing in their flats; they have the same independent heating as we do. They asked if they could stay with us. I couldnt turn them away; after all, were neighbours. What if the next crisis hits us?
Ian led Victoria to the nowempty kitchen and seated her at the table, pouring a mug of hot tea.
We were walking home from the nursery with Emily, when we saw two boys playing on the playground. Their parents were under a canopy, chatting, while the kids ran about. The parents explained their flats were dark and cold, so there was no point going back. They thought, let the children have a bit of fun while the rain continues. So I invited them in. It seemed a good use of a dreary evening, didnt it?
And the other people? The elderly ladies and the couple without children? Victoria asked, still trying to grasp the scale of the crowd.
They heard about my hospitality on the buildings chat board and turned up, asking for a warm place. I couldnt say no. Emily loves having people around, you know? We decided to watch her favourite cartoons together, and the adults happily joined in.
What about this mess? Victoria gestured toward the sink, already exhausted and yearning for a simple supper.
Thats just the dishes. Ive offered tea and sandwiches to everyone. You cant complain about a bit of tea or a slice of cheese, can you? Brighten up! Soon theyll all be on their way home. We cant leave the whole house without light and heat for the night.
Soon the din in the lounge quieted as the emergency crew announced the utilities had been restored. The guests began gathering their things, thanking the hosts profusely.
Thank you ever so much! There are still good people in the world. Our neighbours are the best, everyones jealous! shouted a grateful voice.
No trouble at all, really, Ian replied, smiling. If ever you need a roof over your heads, you know where to knock.
Youve a wonderful husband! the elderly lady whispered to Victoria, holding two grandchildren close. Hold on to him; men like him are rare these days. A true gentleman!
Thanks for not kicking us out onto the street, a man whod just finished his tea added with a wink. Your jam is superb! Ill bring you some smoked eel as a thankyou once it arrives. Deal?
Deal, Victoria answered, bewildered yet oddly comforted by the strangers kind words about her husband.
At last the crowd dispersed, and Victoria slipped into the bathroom for a quick shower. Emerging, she found the kitchen spotless and a modest dinner laid out on the table.
Shall we eat then? Emilys already asleep, after all her playtime, Ian said.
Yes, love. Im starving. A glass of wine might help take the edge off this stress. I still cant shake the shock of walking into that living room. It felt like Id gone mad!
They laughed together, relieved that the night, however chaotic, had ended well.
