Margaret Sinclair leaves the keys to her flat with her best friend Emily while she goes on holiday, and on her return she finds that Emily has moved in with her whole family.
MrsSinclair, I understand youre upset, but lets speak calmly, the local constable says, rubbing his nose. So youre telling me they refuse to leave your flat?
They dont just refuse! Margaret flails her arms in desperation. Emily says she has the absolute right to stay there! Can you believe it? I gave her the keys just so she could water the plants, and she she her voice trembles betrayingly.
Calm down, have a seat, the constable slides a chair over. Tell me everything in order. When exactly did you hand over the keys to whom?
To Emily Clarke. Emily Clarke. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Actually, we were friends Margaret smiles bitterly, clutching a handkerchief. I never imagined she could do something like this. Never!
Just two weeks ago Margarets life runs smoothly and predictably. At fiftythree she has everything she ever wanted: a cosy twobed flat in a respectable part of Richmond, a stable job as an accountant at a wellknown firm, an adult son who lives separately with his own family and drops by now and then with warm greetings. She does not feel lonelyten years after her divorce she has learned to value independence and peace.
That evening she sits in the kitchen with Emily. They met at an accountants CPD course and have kept in touch ever since, even though they work for different companies.
Guess what, Emily, I finallyve decided! Margaret pours fragrant tea into cups. Im heading to Cornwall for two weeks. Ive bought the package, everythings paid for.
No way! Emily smiles genuinely. Its about time! When was the last time you took a holiday? Three years?
Four, Margaret sighs. Since my mother fell ill I never managed to get away. Now it feels like the stars have finally aligned. Work is quiet, the finances are in order.
Exactly! You need to think about yourself sometimes, Emily says, sipping her tea, then adds thoughtfully, You know, Im actually jealous of you in a good way. Our house is a mess right nowrenovations are in full swing, its all upside down. Dust, grime, builders from dawn till dusk, and the neighbours downstairs keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a trial, Margaret agrees. But it will look beautiful afterward.
If we survive it, Emily chuckles, Sasha and the kids will be crawling over the walls because of the chaos. We dream of escaping for a couple of weeks, but where? Hotels are pricey, and staying with relatives is cramped.
Margaret puts down her spoon and looks at Emily. An idea flickers: why not ask Emily to look after the flat while shes away? She needs someone to water the plants and check that everythings okay.
Listen, Emily, could you help me? Stay at my place while Im at the sea, water the flowers, keep an eye on things. It would also give you a break from the renovation.
Emilys face lights up.
Really? Youre not joking? Margaret, that would be a lifesaver! I could pop in evenings after work. I promise everything will stay perfect!
Stay as long as you need, Margaret waves generously. Itll be easier for me knowing someones there. Who knows what could happen otherwise.
They spend a long hour hashing out detailswhen Margaret leaves, how to tend the plants, how often to air the flat. Emily sounds genuinely grateful and vows to treat the property with utmost care.
Just one thing, Mari, Emily says shyly as she leaves, would you mind if I occasionally spend the night here when Im exhausted from all the trips up and down?
Of course, Margaret shrugs. The bedroom is made up, theres food in the fridge. Feel at home.
Margaret later remembers that phrasefeel at homewith a bitter irony.
On the day of departure Margaret meets Emily once more, hands over the keys, and shows her how to care for the finicky orchid on the windowsill.
Dont worry about a thing, Emily assures, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your break, recharge, and Ill look after everything.
Margaret heads off with a clear mind, unaware of what awaits her return.
Two weeks in Cornwall fly by like a single day. Margaret tans, relaxes, swims in the sea to her hearts content, and even meets a pleasant gentleman from a neighbouring guest housea first lighthearted holiday romance in years. She sends Emily a couple of photos of the sea and receives brief, warm replies: You look stunning! and Im greenwithenvy!
When the taxi stops at her block, Margaret feels a pleasant fatigue and a hint of sadness that the holiday is ending. She climbs to the fourth floor, unlocks the door with her key, and freezes on the landing, eyes wide.
The hallway is lined with strangers shoesmens, womens, childrens. Unfamiliar coats hang on the rack. From deep inside the flat, a TV blares and laughter echoes.
What the Margaret begins, but at that moment Emily steps out of the kitchen.
Oh, Margaret! Youre back already? she exclaims with feigned surprise. Weve been waiting for you.
What is going on here? Margaret feels the floor drop out from under her. Why are there so many belongings? Whose shoes are these?
Well you gave me permission to stay while you were away, Emily stammers. So we
We? Margaret walks into the living room and stops dead. On her couch sits Emilys husband, Andrew, watching a football match. In an armchair a teenage boy, about fourteen, James, holds a tablet. At the dining table eightyearold Olivia sketches energetically.
Good afternoon, Aunt Margaret, the little girl says politely.
Andrew looks up from the TV and nods. Hey, Margaret. How was your break?
What are you all doing here? Margarets voice trembles. I let Emily stay overnight if she needed a place to sleep, not not move in with her whole family!
Margaret, calm down, Emily says softly, though her eyes betray tension. You saw how chaotic our home had become. It was unbearable for the kids. We thought you wouldnt mindone person or four, the flat was empty, and it helped us a lot.
A temporary place? Margaret scans the rooms and notices the décor has changed. Her beloved figurines are gone, replaced by strangers photos in frames. A painting she never owned hangs on the wall. The curtains are bright blue, not her favourite cream.
You rearranged my flat? she asks, a lump forming in her throat. Where are my things?
We tucked them away in the storage cupboard, Emily rushes to explain. The kids needed space for play. We just adapted the flat a little, nothing serious.
You adapted? Margaret cant believe her ears. But this is my flat! My flat!
James, be quiet, Emily snaps at her son. Margaret, lets talk calmly. Youre tired, youve just come back. How about a cup of tea?
I dont want tea! Margaret feels anger boiling. I want you all to pack up and leave my flat this instant!
A tense silence settles. Andrew turns off the TV and stands.
Margaret, you dont understand, he begins diplomatically. Our renovation is still ongoing, the builders say itll take at least another month. The dust and chemicals are dangerous for the children.
Thats not my problem, Margaret cuts in. I never gave consent for a whole family to live here. I only asked Emily to water the plants and check that everythings okay.
But you did say stay as long as you need, Emily retorts.
That was a figure of speech! No sane person would let an entire family move in, change the furniture, and claim rights!
The constable, who has been listening, raises his hand to stop the argument.
The situation is clear, he says. The property owner demands you vacate. Even if there was an oral agreement for temporary stay, the owner can revoke it at any time, especially when it concerns her sole residence.
Emily protests, We have nowhere to go! Our renovation is a disaster!
The owner is offering a compromise, the officer continues. She will give you one week to find alternative accommodation. Thats generous, given the circumstances.
The room falls silent. Emily looks at Andrew, then lowers her head.
Fine, a week. Well find somewhere, she says reluctantly.
And I will move back in right now, Margaret adds. You may stay for the week, but you must return all my belongings to their original places and stop any further changes.
Andrew nods. I can stay overnight to oversee the transition, the officer offers, but Andrew shakes his head.
Well sort it out, he says. We didnt mean to cause trouble. I was pushed by the stress of the renovation. Well put everything back and look for a new place.
Margaret watches Andrews eyes, seeing genuine remorse. She decides to give them the week.
The officer writes down everyones details and hands Margaret his contact number in case any issues arise, the narrative continues. Later, Margaret sits in the constables office, recounting the unbelievable story. The officer remarks, So you handed over the keys voluntarily, but there was no written agreement about who could live there, correct?
Yes! Margaret exclaims. I only asked her to water the plants! I never imagined a whole family moving in!
The officer sighs, Without documentation, the case is ambiguous. They can argue that you allowed temporary residence, and proving otherwise will be hard.
What now? Margaret asks, desperate. This is my flat! All my things, my documents, my medication are here! Now I have to stay with my son because some people wont leave!
The officer outlines options, he says, pulling out a sheet. First, I can mediate and try to get them to leave voluntarily. Second, you can file a court eviction claim. Third, you could try another compromise, maybe give them a short deadline to find housing.
What compromise? Margaret snaps. Let them stay in my flat while I sleep on a sofa?
No, the officer replies patiently. But you could give them a reasonable periodsay a weeksince there are children involved.
Margaret thinks. She is angry at Emily, but the children are innocent. Little Olivia doesnt deserve to be homeless because of her mothers mistake.
Alright, she says finally. Ill go to their flat, give them a week to find new accommodation, no longer than that, and only if they return everything to its proper place.
The officer nods and prepares to leave.
It is around seven oclock when they arrive at Margarets building. Emily opens the door, visibly nervous.
Good evening, she says, letting them in. Whats happened?
The owner of this flat, Margaret Sinclair, has complained of unlawful occupation, the officer states formally. Can you explain?
The living room is filled with the whole familyAndrew, James, Oliviawatching the officer.
What unlawful occupation? Andrew asks, outraged. Margaret invited us!
No, she didnt, Margaret says firmly. I asked Emily only to water the plants and check occasionally. Nothing more.
And what about the stay as long as you need comment? Emily interjects.
That was just a turn of phrase! Margaret snaps. No sane person would let an entire family move in, rearrange furniture, and claim rights.
The officer raises his hand, halting the rising voices.
The owner has the right to demand you vacate, he says. Even an oral permission can be withdrawn at any time, especially when it concerns her sole dwelling.
But we have nowhere to go! Emily cries. Our renovation is still unfinished!
The owner is willing to give you one week to find alternative housing, the officer adds. Thats a generous concession.
Silence settles. Emily looks at Andrew, then at her children, and sighs.
Fine, a week, she says. Well look for somewhere.
And I will move back in immediately, Margaret declares. You may stay for the week, but you must restore my flat to how it was and stop any further alterations.
Andrew offers to stay overnight to ensure compliance, but Margaret declines.
We understand, Andrew says. We didnt mean to overstep. The stress of the renovation got to us. Well put everything back and find a new place.
Margaret watches him, sees sincere regret, and agrees to the week.
Later that afternoon, when Margaret returns from work, Emily meets her in the hallway.
Were moving out, Emily says bluntly. Our friend Vicky has a spare flat, so we can shift today. Ive already packed.
Margaret feels a mix of relief and sorrow. Im sorry everything turned out like this, Emily, she says quietly.
Im sorry too, Emily replies, eyes downcast. I was wrong. I understand if you never want to talk to me again, but I want you to know I value our friendship. If you can ever forgive me
Margaret looks at Emily, realizing that fifteen years of friendship cant be erased in one incident. People make serious mistakes, but holding onto anger forever isnt helpful.
I dont know, Emily, she answers honestly. I need time. Youve broken my trust, but maybe someday we can start anew.
An hour later the Clarke family leaves the flat. Olivia gives Margaret a tight hug and whispers, Sorry, Aunt Margaret. Youre the kindest. James shakes Margarets hand awkwardly, and Andrew helps carry the last bags to a taxi.
Emily lingers at the door. I left you a gift on the kitchen table, she says. Its a token of apology and thanks for not kicking us out right away.
When the door closes, Margaret finally has the flat to herself. The silence feels oddly resonant after days filled with a whole familys chatter.
On the kitchen table she finds a small box tied with a ribbon. Inside sits a delicate porcelain figurinetwo women standing side by side, holding each others hands. A note is attached: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. With love, Emily.
Margaret stares at the gift, recalling all the good moments over the years. Can she forgive her friend? She doesnt know yet, but deep down she understands that, in time, their friendship may get a second chance. Real friends, even after big mistakes, linger in the heart forever.
