I leave the spare set of keys to my flat with my best friend for the two weeks Im away on holiday, and when I get back I discover she has moved in with her whole family.
Mrs. Whitaker, I understand youre upset, but lets speak calmly, the local police officer says, rubbing his nose. So theyre refusing to leave your flat?
Not just refusing! Mary Whitaker says, flailing her arms in desperation. Emma told me she has the right to stay there! Can you believe it? I handed her the keys just so she could water the plants, and she she her voice trembles.
Calm down, have a seat, the officer slides a chair over. Tell me everything in order. When exactly did you give the keys to who?
To Emma. Emma Elizabeth Clarke. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Actually, we were friends Mary smiles bitterly, clutching a handkerchief. I never imagined she could do something like this. Never!
Two weeks ago Mary Whitakers life runs smoothly and predictably. At fiftythree she has everything she ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a decent London suburb, a steady job as an accountant for a respected firm, an adult son who lives nearby with his own family and drops by now and then. Loneliness never bothers her after a divorce ten years ago she learns to value independence and peace.
That evening she sits in the kitchen with Emma. They met at an accountanttraining course and have kept in touch ever since, even though they work for different companies.
Can you believe it, Emma? Im finally booking a break, Mary pours fragrant tea into mugs. Im heading to Brighton for two weeks. The package is paid for, everything sorted.
Thats brilliant! Emma says, genuinely happy for her. Its been ages since youve had a holiday. Three years, right?
Four, Mary sighs. Since mum fell ill I never found the chance to get away. Now everything lines up: work is quiet, the finances are in order.
Exactly! You need to think of yourself sometimes, Emma finishes her tea and, thoughtful, adds: Im honestly a bit jealous. Our house is a mess right now we started a renovation, everythings turned upside down. Dust, rubble, workers from dawn till dusk. The neighbours downstairs keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a trial, Mary agrees. But itll look beautiful afterward.
If we survive it, Emma smiles wryly. Sasha and the kids are already fed up with the chaos. We dream of escaping for a couple of weeks, but where? Hotels are pricey, and staying with relatives is cramped.
Mary puts down her spoon and looks at Emma. An idea pops up: why not ask Emma to look after the flat while shes away? After all, someone needs to water the flowers and check that everythings alright.
Listen, Emma, could you stay at my place while Im at the sea? Water the plants, keep an eye on the flat. It would also give you a break from the renovation.
Emmas face lights up.
Really? Youre not joking? Mary, that would be a lifesaver! I could pop over in the evenings after work. Honestly, everything would be perfect!
Stay as long as you need, Mary waves her hand generously. Itll be easier for me knowing someones there. Who knows what could happen otherwise.
They spend the next hour hashing out details when Mary leaves, how to tend the orchids on the windowsill, how often to air out the rooms. Emma seems genuinely grateful and promises to treat the flat with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Mary, Emma says shyly as she gets ready to leave, would you mind if I occasionally spent the night? When Im exhausted from the backandforth with the building work.
Of course, Mary shrugs. The spare bedroom is ready, the fridge is stocked. Make yourself at home.
That phrase make yourself at home Mary later recalls with a bitter tinge of irony.
On the day of her departure Mary meets Emma again, hands over the keys, and shows her how to prune the temperamental orchid.
Dont worry about a thing, Emma assures, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your break, recharge, and Ill keep an eye on everything.
Mary heads off feeling lighthearted, unaware of the storm waiting for her return.
Two weeks in Brighton fly by in a single day. Mary tans, swims in the sea, and even meets a pleasant gentleman from the adjacent guest house a lighthearted seaside flirt she hadnt imagined herself having. She sends Emma a couple of sunny photos with brief, cheerful messages: You look stunning! and Im green with envy!
When the taxi pulls up outside her block, Mary feels a pleasant fatigue and a touch of melancholy that the holiday is ending. She climbs to the fourth floor, unlocks the door with her own key, and freezes on the landing, unable to believe her eyes.
The hallway is littered with shoes mens, womens, childrens. Unfamiliar coats hang on the rack. From deep inside the flat the television blares and laughter echoes.
What the Mary begins, but a voice from the kitchen cuts her off.
Oh, Mary! Youre back early! Emma exclaims, feigning surprise. Weve been expecting you tomorrow.
Whats happening here? Mary feels the floor drop out from under her. Why are there so many belongings? Whose shoes are these?
Well Emma stammers. You did let me stay while you were away, right? So we we
We? Mary steps into the living room and stops. On her sofa sits Emmas husband, Tom Clarke, watching a football match. Beside him, a teenage boy of about fourteen, their older son Daniel, scrolls on a tablet. At the dining table, eightyearold Lily doodles enthusiastically.
Good afternoon, Aunt Mary, the little girl says politely.
Tom looks up from the screen and nods.
Hey, Mary. How was the break?
What are you all doing here? Marys voice trembles. I only asked you to water the plants and check the flat, not not move in with the whole family!
Mary, calm down, Emma says softly, though anxiety flickers in her eyes. You saw how chaotic it was at our place. The kids could barely cope. We thought youd be fine with one person or four. The flat was empty, and it helped us have a temporary base.
Temporary? Mary scans the rooms and finally notices the changes. Her cherished figurines are gone, replaced by unfamiliar framed photos. A painting she never owned hangs on the wall. The curtains are now bright blue, not her beloved cream.
Did you rearrange my flat? she asks, a knot forming in her throat. Where are my things?
We stored them neatly in the cupboard, Emma rushes to explain. The kids needed space for play. We just adapted the flat a bit, nothing serious.
Adapted? Mary cant believe her ears. This is my flat! My
Mum, why is she shouting? Daniel pauses his game. We didnt break anything.
Daniel, be quiet, Emma snaps at her son. Mary, lets talk calmly. Youve just returned, youre tired. How about a cup of tea?
I dont want tea! Mary feels a surge of anger. I want you all to pack up and leave my flat right now!
A tense silence falls. Tom switches off the TV and rises.
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 its unsafe for the kids.
Thats not my problem, Mary cuts in. I never gave permission for an entire family to live here. I only asked Emma to water the plants and occasionally check that everythings alright.
But you said, Stay as long as you need, Emma replies.
That was a figure of speech! Marys patience snaps. No sane person would let a whole family move in, change the décor, and claim rights!
The officer steps forward, lifting his hand to halt the growing argument.
Heres the situation: the property owner demands you vacate. Thats her legal right. Even if there was an oral agreement for temporary stay, it can be withdrawn at any time, especially when the flat is the sole residence of the owner.
But we have nowhere else to go! Emma protests. Our renovation is still ongoing!
Thats not the landlords concern, the officer replies calmly. However, Mrs. Whitaker is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation. Thats generous given the circumstances.
The room falls quiet. Emma exchanges a glance with Tom, then looks down.
Fine, she says finally. A week it is. Well find something.
And Ill move back in right now, Mary adds. You may stay for a week only if you return all my belongings to their original places and stop any further changes.
Tom nods reluctantly.
Ill stay tonight to make sure the agreement is honoured, the officer offers, though his tone suggests hed rather not.
No need, Tom says abruptly. We understand. Im sorry, Mary. We acted rashly. Emma misread the situation, and I went along. Well put everything back and look for a new place. Honest word.
Mary studies Toms eyes; genuine remorse flickers there. Perhaps he truly didnt grasp how wrong theyd been.
Alright, she says. I believe you, Tom. I hope you keep your promise.
The officer records everyones details, drafts a brief protocol of the settlement, and hands Mary his contact number in case further issues arise.
When he leaves, an awkward hush settles over the flat. Emma fidgets with her sleeve, avoiding Marys gaze.
Why, Emma? Mary asks quietly. After all these years, why did you do this to me?
Emma lifts her eyes, wet with tears.
I didnt mean any harm. When we arrived, the flat was clean and peaceful our own home is a disaster. Dust, constant banging, the kids falling ill. Seeing a tidy, empty flat made me think, whats the difference if one family or four use it? There was space. Then it became harder to admit wed taken it without asking.
So you claimed you had the right to live here? Mary shakes her head. You crossed every boundary, Emma. Friends dont do that.
I know, Emma whispers. Im sorry. I was under a lot of stress from the renovation. When you returned earlier than we expected, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
Mom, lets just pack and go, Daniel says, removing his headphones. Im ashamed to be here.
Mary looks at the teenage boy, surprised by his conscience.
No, Daniel, you dont need to leave right now, she replies gently. Im giving you a week, but Im moving back in. This is my home.
We can share the rooms, Tom suggests. One for us, one for you. Well also help put your things back where they belong.
To Marys surprise, the Clarke family spends the evening restoring the flat. They haul the figurines, photographs, and books from the cupboard; Lily arranges small ornaments on the shelves; Daniel moves furniture; Tom hangs the original cream curtains. Even Emma, overcoming embarrassment, takes part.
By nightfall the flat looks almost as it did before. Some items are misplaced, a few are missing, but Mary feels the space is hers again.
The Clarkes settle in the living room parents on the sofa, Lily on a small sofa bed, Daniel on the floor with a blanket. Mary retreats to her bedroom, finally trading the hotel mattress for her own familiar bed.
The next morning she wakes to the smell of fresh coffee. In the kitchen Emma is bustling over the stove.
Good morning, Emma says tentatively. I thought maybe we could have breakfast together? I made pancakes, just the way you like them.
Mary hesitates, then nods. After fifteen years of friendship, forgiveness seems possible, especially with Emmas sincere remorse.
Over breakfast the atmosphere eases. Lily chatters about school, Daniel cracks a joke, Tom discusses the news, and Mary listens.
By the way, Tom adds, my cousin has a spare flat in a nearby borough. Hes not renting it out now, but he could let us stay until our renovation finishes, free of charge.
Really? Emma looks surprised. Why didnt you mention it earlier?
I didnt want to ask for a favour, Tom admits. You know I dont get along well with Vicky, my brotherinlaw. But weve got nowhere else, so its our last resort.
Mary feels relief. If the Clarkes can find alternative accommodation, the conflict will end sooner than she feared.
Thats wonderful, she says genuinely. Im glad things are working out for you.
That evening, when Mary returns from work, Emma meets her in the hallway.
Were moving out, she says without preamble. Vicky gave the goahead, we can shift in today. Ive packed everything.
Mary isnt sure whether to feel joy at the return of quiet or sorrow at the strain on a fifteenyear friendship.
Im really sorry everything turned out like this, Emma, she whispers.
Im sorry too, Emma lowers her eyes. I was wrong, badly wrong. Ill understand if you never want to see me again, but I want you to know I still value our friendship. If you can ever forgive me
Mary watches her friend, realizing that despite the hurt and disappointment, a bond built over a decade and a half isnt easily erased. People make serious mistakes, but does it make sense to hold onto the anger forever?
I dont know, Emma, she answers honestly. Right now I need time. Youve shattered my trust. Maybe one day we can start anew.
An hour later the Clarkes leave the flat. Lily gives Mary a tight hug and whispers, Sorry, Aunt Mary. Youre the kindest. Daniel shakes her hand awkwardly, and Tom helps carry the last bags to a waiting taxi.
Emma lingers at the door.
Ive left you a present, she says. Its on the kitchen table, a token of apology.
Mary watches the door close, finally alone in her flat. The silence rings after days filled with the chatter of a whole family.
On the kitchen table she finds a small box tied with a ribbon. Inside sits a delicate porcelain figurine of two women holding hands. A note is tucked beside it: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. With love, Emma.
Mary stares at the gift, recalling all the good years they shared. Whether she can forgive remains uncertain, but deep down she knows that genuine friends, even after mistakes, stay in the heart forever.
