I leave my best friend the keys to my flat for the twoweek break, and when I get back I discover that she has moved in with her whole family.
MrsWright, I understand youre angry, but lets keep calm, the constable says, rubbing his nose. So theyre refusing to leave your flat?
Theyre not just refusing! I fling my arms in despair. Sarah says she has the right to stay there! Can you imagine? I only gave her the keys to water the plants, and she she My voice trembles.
Take a breath, have a seat, the constable moves his chair closer. Tell me everything in order. When exactly did you hand over the keys to how did she call herself?
To SarahAnderson. SarahAndersonKuznets. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Actually, we were friends, I smile bitterly, clutching a handkerchief. I never thought she could do something like this. Never!
Two weeks ago my life runs smoothly. At fiftythree I have everything I ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a good London suburb, a steady job as an accountant for a respectable firm, an adult son who lives with his own family and drops by now and then. Loneliness never weighs on me after my divorce ten years ago I learn to value independence and peace.
That evening Im in the kitchen with Sarah. We met on an accountant training course and have kept in touch ever since, even though we work for different companies.
Guess what, Sarah, I finally booked my holiday! I pour fragrant tea into mugs. Im off to Brighton for two weeks. The package is paid for.
No way! Thats brilliant! Its been ages since youve had a break three years?
Four, I sigh. Ever since Mum fell ill I never managed to get away. Now it feels like the stars finally line up work is quiet, the bills are straight.
Exactly, you need to think of yourself sometimes, Sarah says, smiling, then adds thoughtfully, Im honestly a bit jealous. Our house is a disaster weve started a renovation, dust everywhere, builders from dawn till dusk, and the neighbours downstairs keep complaining about the noise. Its pure nightmare.
Renovations are always a trial, I agree. But itll look lovely afterwards.
If we survive it, Sarah laughs, the kids are already climbing 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.
I set my spoon down and look at her. A thought flickers: why not ask Sarah to look after my flat while Im away? She could water the plants and make sure everythings fine.
Listen, Sarah, could you 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.
Sarahs face lights up.
Really? Youre not joking? Mary, that would be a lifesaver! Ill pop over in the evenings after work. Honest, everything will be perfect!
Stay as long as you need, I wave. Itll be easier knowing someones there. Who knows what could happen otherwise.
We spend hours hashing out details when I leave, how to tend the orchids on the windowsill, how often to air the flat. Sarah sounds genuinely grateful and promises to treat my home with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Mary, she says shyly as she prepares to go, would you mind if I sometimes spend the night? When Im exhausted from the backandforth.
Of course, I shrug. The bedroom is made up, theres food in the fridge. Make yourself at home.
Later, right before I head out, I meet Sarah again, hand over the keys and show her how to prune the finicky orchid.
Dont worry about a thing, she assures, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your break, and Ill look after everything here.
I leave for Brighton with a clear mind, unaware of whats waiting for me at home.
Two weeks in Brighton fly by like a single day. I soak up the sun, swim in the sea, and even meet a charming bloke from the nearby B&B a lighthearted seaside romance after many years. I send Sarah a few photos of the beach, and she replies with short, warm messages: You look stunning! Im green with envy!
When the taxi pulls up to my block, I feel a pleasant fatigue and a hint of sadness that the holiday ends. I climb to the fourth floor, unlock the door with my own key and freeze on the landing, my eyes wide.
The hallway is strewn with shoes mens, womens, childrens. Unfamiliar coats hang on the rack. From the flat I hear the television and muffled laughter.
What on earth I start, when Sarah pops out of the kitchen.
Oh, Mary! Youre back already? she says, feigning surprise. Weve been expecting you tomorrow.
Whats happening here? My stomach drops. Why are there so many belongings? Whose shoes are these?
Well you did let me stay while you were away, Sarah stammers. So we
We? I step into the living room and freeze. On my couch sits Sarahs husband, Alex, watching a football match. In an armchair a teenage boy, Daniel, swipes at his tablet. At the kitchen table eightyearold Lily busily sketches.
Hello, Aunt Mary, the girl says politely.
Alex looks up from the screen and nods. Hey, Mary. How was your break?
What are you all doing here? My voice trembles. I said you could stay over if you needed a night, not move in with the whole family!
Mary, dont get worked up, Sarah says softly, though the tension in her eyes is obvious. You saw how chaotic our home is. The kids cant stand it. We thought youd hardly mind a few extra people. The flat was empty, and it gave us a temporary sanctuary.
You you rearranged my flat? I glance around and notice my cherished figurines gone, replaced by strangers photos in frames. A new painting hangs on the wall, and the curtains are bright blue, not my beloved cream.
You moved my things? I feel a knot form in my throat. Where are my belongings?
We stored them neatly in the cupboard, Sarah says hurriedly. The kids needed space to play, so we made a few tweaks. Nothing major.
Tweaks? This is my flat, Mary! I snap. I never agreed to this.
Mom, why is she shouting? Daniel asks, pausing his game. We didnt break anything.
Daniel, shut up, Sarah snaps at him. Mary, lets talk calmly. Youre tired, have a cup of tea?
I dont want tea! Anger bubbles up. I want you to pack up and leave this instant!
A heavy silence falls. Alex turns off the TV and stands.
Mary, you dont understand, he begins, trying to be conciliatory. Our renovation is stuck. The builders say itll be another month. The dust, the chemicals the kids cant stay there.
Thats not my problem, I cut in. I never gave permission for you all to live here. I asked you only to water the plants and check the flat now and then.
But you said stay as long as you need, Sarah retorts.
That was a figure of speech! I snap. No reasonable person would let an entire family move in, change the décor, and claim rights!
Alex raises a hand to calm the rising argument.
Alright, everyone. The situation is clear: the owner wants you out. Even if there was an oral agreement to stay, it can be withdrawn at any moment, especially when it concerns the sole residence of the owner.
Sarahs eyes dart to Alex, then down. Fine. Well find somewhere else. Give us a week.
Ill move back in right now, I say firmly. You may stay for a week only if you return everything to its original place and stop altering anything.
Sarah nods, though she looks defeated. The constable, who has been watching from the doorway, steps forward.
Ill stay overnight to make sure the agreement is honoured, he offers, clearly uncomfortable with the compromise.
No need, Alex says abruptly. We understand. Well pack up, find a new place, and respect your flat. Honest.
I look at Alex, seeing genuine remorse in his eyes. Perhaps he truly didnt realise how wrong theyd been.
Alright, I say. I believe you, Alex. I hope you keep your word.
The constable records everyones details, drafts a brief protocol of the settlement, and hands me his contact number in case anything goes wrong.
When he leaves, an awkward quiet settles over the flat. Sarah fidgets with the sleeve of her cardigan, avoiding my gaze.
Why, Sarah? I ask quietly. After fifteen years of friendship, why did you do this?
Sarah lifts her eyes, brimming with tears. I didnt mean any harm. Our house is a disaster dust everywhere, constant noise, the kids falling ill. Your flat looked cosy, empty, and I thought one person or four wouldnt make a difference. Then it got harder to admit wed taken it without asking.
So you decided to claim you have a right to live here? I shake my head. You crossed every boundary, Sarah. Friends arent supposed to act like this.
I know, she whispers, head bowed. Im sorry. I was stressed beyond belief. When you came back earlier than we expected, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
Mom, lets just pack up and go, Daniel says, taking off his headphones. Im ashamed to be here.
I stare at the teenager, surprised by his conscience.
No, Daniel, you dont have to leave right now, I reply gently. Ill give you a week, but Im moving back in. This is my home.
Okay, Alex says. Well take one room, youll have the other. Well help put everything back.
To my surprise, the Kuznets family spends the rest of the evening restoring the flat. They pull my figurines from the cupboard, hang my photographs, replace the blue curtains with the cream ones I love. Lily helps arrange tiny trinkets on the shelves, Daniel lifts a coffee table, and Alex rehangs the original paintings. Even Sarah, after a moments hesitation, gets involved, dusting and polishing.
By nightfall the flat looks almost as it did before. Some items are still slightly misplaced, a few things are missing, but the sense of ownership returns to me.
The Kuznetses set up a makeshift sleeping area in the living room Alex and Sarah on the couch, Lily on a folding bed, Daniel on a rug. I retreat to my bedroom, finally swapping the hotel mattress for my own.
In the morning the smell of fresh coffee greets me. Sarah is at the stove, flipping pancakes.
Good morning, she says uncertainly. I thought maybe we could have breakfast together? I made your favourite pancakes.
I pause, then nod. After fifteen years, we are still friends, and she seems truly remorseful.
Over breakfast the atmosphere eases. Lily chatter about school, Daniel cracks a joke, Alex chats about the news, and we laugh like old times.
Actually, Alex says, my cousin has a spare flat in the next borough. Hes letting it out rentfree while his tenants are away. We could move there until our renovation finishes.
Really? Sarah looks surprised. Why didnt you mention it before?
He didnt want any favors, Alex admits. Weve never been on good terms with him, but we need somewhere now.
I feel a lift of relief. If the Kuznetses can find a new place, the conflict will end sooner than I feared.
Thats wonderful, I say sincerely. Im glad things are working out for you.
Later that day, as I come home from work, Sarah meets me in the hallway.
Were moving out, she says without preamble. My brother gave us the goahead, we can be there today. Ive already packed.
Im not sure whether to feel joy at my peace returning or sorrow at the strain on a fifteenyear friendship.
Im really sorry about everything, Sarah, I whisper.
Im sorry too, she lowers her eyes. I was wrong, badly wrong. I understand if you never want to speak to me again, but I wanted you to know I value our friendship and hope you can forgive me one day.
I look at her, realizing that despite the hurt and betrayal, fifteen years cant simply be erased. People make serious mistakes, but holding onto anger forever serves no one.
I dont know, I answer honestly. I need time. Youve shattered my trust, but maybe, someday, we can start again.
An hour later the Kuznetses leave my flat. Lily gives me a tight hug and whispers, Sorry, Aunt Mary. Youre the kindest. Daniel shakes my hand awkwardly, and Alex helps with the last bags into a taxi.
Sarah lingers at the door.
Ive left you a present on the kitchen table, she says. Its an apology and a thankyou for not throwing us out straight away.
When the door closes, I finally sit alone in my flat. The silence rings after days filled with voices.
On the kitchen table sits a small box tied with a ribbon. Inside is a delicate porcelain figurine of two women holding hands. A note is tucked beside it: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. love, Sarah.
I stare at the gift, recalling the good years between us. Can I forgive her? I have no answer yet, but deep down I know that genuine friends, even after grave errors, remain in the heart forever.
