5November2025
Tonights quiet routine went spectacularly sideways. I was in the middle of a phone chat with Eleanor, my old university friend, who was narrating her motherinlaws birthday bash in such vivid detail that I kept chuckling as if I were watching a sitcom on the telly. I promised to call back as soon as I knew who was at the door.
When the buzz sounded, I glanced at the peephole. I expected the usual neighbour from flat3, but instead a young woman Id never seen before stood on the hallway landing. She wore a bright scarf and looked as nervous as a cat in a bathtub.
I kept the door shut. In this day and age strangers at the door feel like a gamble, and Ive always stuck to the rule: no talks with unknown faces. Scammers thrive on gullibility, and Im not one of their marks.
I reached for my phone to finish my catchup with Eleanor, but the frontdoor buzzer rang again. The woman outside persisted, clearly convinced someone lived inside and determined to get an answer.
My husband, James, had stepped out to help a mate with some gardening, so I was alone. I peered again through the peephole, this time more closely. Something about her was oddboth unsettling and oddly pitifulbut I sensed no immediate danger.
Whats the worst that could happen if I open the door and tell her to go away? Then I can finally enjoy the weekend in peace, I thought. Maybe shes lost or has something to sell.
I decided to act. I opened the door, and the stranger straightened, smoothing her hair nervously before speaking.
Hello! Are you Katherine? she asked, fiddling with her scarf. Of course you arewhy would I ask?
I raised an eyebrow. Scammers are getting more sophisticated. She even knows my name.
Who are you and what do you want? Youve been ringing for five minutes. I didnt invite you, so either tell me why youre here or leave! I said firmly.
Is James at home? she inquired, catching me off guard.
That set off my alarms. She knows my husbands name. Definitely a prepared con artist, I thought.
Are you here for James? I asked, though I meant to say something completely different.
No, I came to speak with you. But if James is inside, it will be harder for me, she replied, casual as if we were chatting over tea.
Harder for you? Whats going on? my curiosity grew.
Is he not here? What do you want? I asked finally.
Perhaps we should step inside. Its difficult to discuss such matters in the hallway, she suggested, gaining confidence.
Absolutely not! I dont know you and I wont let strangers into my home. State your businessquickly, I insisted.
You really expect me to discuss the details of my relationship with James here, in front of the neighbours? she said, smiling.
What? Which relationship? I snapped, louder than intended.
Just then MrsBrown, our neighbour from flat2, popped out of the lift. Katherine, are you alright? Why are you shouting? she asked.
Oh, hi MrsBrown! All fine. Hows the weather outside? I tried to deflect.
It looks like rain might be on its way, she replied, lingering with obvious curiosity.
Reluctantly I gestured for the stranger to come in. Once inside, she began scanning the flat, her eyes lingering on everything.
Youve got five minutes. Speak, I told her, blocking her path to the living room. This isnt a museum.
My name is Margaret, she said, removing her scarf and coat. James and I are in love.
Thats cliché! Couldnt you think of something more original? I retorted with a sardonic grin.
Whats so cliché? People fall in lovethats normal. Youre not the first wife whose husband has left, she replied, trying to slip past me.
Are you sure hes stopped loving me and fallen for you? I asked, still smiling.
Absolutely! If it were otherwise, I wouldnt be here, she answered boldly.
My husband knows nothing about love. He doesnt even know what it is, so youre completely mistaken, I said calmly.
We work together, and since I joined his team, Jamessorry, MrJamesKelleyhas been unable to take his eyes off me. He confessed his feelings, Margaret declared.
Really? That doesnt sound like him at all. So, what do you want from me, Margaret? I probed, still intrigued.
Id like you to divorce him and let him be happy with me, she announced firmly.
So you expect me to let my husband go even though hes never mentioned divorce? Are you sure youve got the right man? I asked, now genuinely amused.
Before Margaret could answer, the front door swung open and James stepped in, looking puzzled at the scene.
Margaret? What are you doing here on a Saturday? Is this about work? he asked, bewildered.
No, shes here for you, I said, enjoying the turn of events.
For me? What do you mean? Did something happen at work? James repeated, still confused.
No, love. Shes here to take you away. Completely, I replied with a grin.
Margaret, flustered, grabbed her coat and started backing toward the door.
Leaving already? What about James? Didnt you come for him? Ill gladly hand him over to you, I joked.
She was already at the hallway exit.
What was that supposed to mean? James asked, utterly baffled.
You tell me! Why did that brazen woman turn up demanding a divorce and claiming youll move in with her? I pressed, hands on my hips.
Seriously?! James exclaimed, eyes wide. I have no idea whats going on. She behaved oddly at work, but I never encouraged anything. I promised you Id put an end to that nonsense.
Fine. You know Im not joking, James. Women today will do anything to fix their chaotic lives, I said, shaking my head.
James looked at me uncertainly, then sighed. Ill never understand what some people imagine. Its all very strange. Good thing you sent her away. We dont need that sort of trouble.
Youre right, I replied with a faint smile. Im not going to let anyone who thinks they can manipulate our lives walk in uninvited. This is my life and our family, and Ill protect it.
Of course, love, James said, pulling me into an embrace. Thank you for standing by me. I dont want any problems. Im with you, and only you.
I returned his hug, feeling that despite the bizarre interruption, our bond was stronger than ever. I realized that vigilance and loyalty are the best shields against the strange and the unwanted.
Lesson for tomorrow: keep the door locked, trust your instincts, and never underestimate how far a stranger will go to upset a happy household.
