I left my best mate the flat keys while I was away on holiday, and when I got back I found shed moved in with her whole family.
MrsThompson, I get why youre angry, but lets keep calm, the local constable said, rubbing his nose. So theyre refusing to leave your flat?
Not just refusing! I snapped, hands flailing. Sophie said she had every right to be there! Can you believe it? I gave her the keys just to water the ferns, and she she My voice trembled.
Take a seat, the constable urged, pulling a chair closer. Tell me how it happened, step by step. When exactly did you hand over the keys towho?
Sophie Anderson, I replied, clenching a handkerchief. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Actually, we were friends thats a bit of a stretch now. I forced a bitter smile. I never imagined she could do something like this.
Two weeks ago my life was as orderly as a wellkept garden. At fiftythree I had everything I ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a nice part of London, a steady job as an accountant for a respectable firm, and an adult son who lived with his own family and popped over now and then. I wasnt lonely after my divorce ten years ago Id learned to enjoy my own company and a bit of peace.
That evening I was in the kitchen with Sophie. Wed met on an accounting CPD course and kept in touch ever since, even though we worked for different companies.
Can you believe it, Sophie? I finally booked a twoweek break to Brighton. Everythings paid for, I said, pouring tea into mugs.
No way! Thats brilliant, she beamed. Its been ages since youve taken a holiday three years?
Four, I sighed. Since Mum fell ill I never found the chance. Now the stars finally line up works quiet, the bills are sorted.
Exactly, youve earned it. You need to think about yourself for once, Sophie replied, sipping her tea. Then she frowned. Honestly, Im a bit jealous. My house is a nightmare right now weve started a fullon renovation, dust everywhere, builders from dawn till dusk, and the downstairs neighbours keep complaining about the noise. Its a proper horror show.
Renovations are always a test, I agreed, but the end result will be lovely.
If we survive it, Sophie laughed, my husband Andrew and the kids will be driving me mad. We keep dreaming about getting away for a couple of weeks, but hotels are pricey and staying with relatives is cramped.
I set my spoon down and looked at her. An idea sparked: why not ask Sophie to look after the flat while I was away? She could water the plants and make sure everything was okay.
Listen, Sophie, could you stay at my place while Im on the coast? Water the ferns, keep an eye on things. It would give you a break from the chaos at home.
Her face lit up.
Really? Youre not joking? That would be a lifesaver! I could pop in evenings after work. Promise, everything will be perfect.
Stay as long as you need, I waved my hand. Itll be easier knowing someones there.
We spent ages hashing out the details when Id leave, how often to water the plants, when to air out the rooms. Sophie seemed genuinely grateful and swore shed treat the flat with kidglove care.
Just one thing, Ellie, she said shyly as she was about to go, would you mind if I crashed there sometimes? When Im exhausted from the endless trips up and down the road.
Of course, I shrugged. The spare bedrooms ready, theres food in the fridge. Make yourself at home.
Id later think back to that line make yourself at home with a pinch of bitter irony.
On the day I left, I met Sophie again, handed over the keys, and showed her how to tend to the finicky orchid on the windowsill.
Dont worry about a thing, she promised, cradling the keys. Enjoy your break, Ive got everything covered.
And with that, I set off for Brighton, feeling light and relaxed, not a clue what awaited me on my return.
Two weeks zipped by like a single day. Id soaked up the sun, swum in the sea, even gone on a brief fling with a charming lad from the B&B next door the first time in ages Id let myself have a little romance. Id texted Sophie a few sunny pictures, and she replied with short but warm messages: You look amazing! and Im so jealous of that beach!
When the taxi pulled up to my block, I was tired but content. I walked up to the fourth floor, slipped the key into the lock, and paused on the landing, eyes wide.
The hallway was littered with shoes mens, womens, kids. Unknown coats hung on the rack. From somewhere deep in the flat came the faint buzz of a TV and laughter.
What the I began, when a voice from the kitchen called out.
Oh, Marry! Youre back early! Sophie exclaimed, feigning surprise. Weve been expecting you tomorrow.
Whats going on here? I felt the floor tilt beneath me. Why are there so many things in my flat? Whose shoes are these?
Well you did let me stay, didnt you? Sophie stammered. So we we thought
I walked into the living room and froze. On my sofa sat Andrew, watching a football match. A teenage boy, about fourteen, lounged in an armchair their eldest son James, tablet in hand. At the kitchen table, an eightyearold girl, Lucy, was busy drawing.
Good afternoon, AuntMarry, the little girl said politely.
Andrew turned the TV off and looked at me.
Hey, Marry, how was the break?
What are you all doing in my flat? My voice trembled. I said you could crash here if you needed a night, not… move in with the whole family!
Marry, dont panic, Sophie said softly, though I could see the tension in her eyes. You know how chaotic our house is. The kids cant stand the dust, the builders are everywhere. We thought youd understand a few people, its not a big deal.
Temporary? I echoed, scanning the rooms. My favourite figurines were gone, replaced by strangers photos in frames. A painting Id never owned now hung on the wall. The curtains were a garish blue, not my soft cream.
Did you rearrange my flat? I asked, throat tightening. Where are my things?
We packed them neatly in the storage cupboard, Sophie rushed. The kids needed space to play, so we shifted a few things around. Nothing major.
You you moved my stuff? I could feel my anger bubbling up. This is my flat! My home!
Mom, why is she shouting? James muttered, pulling off his headphones. We didnt break anything.
James, shut up, Sophie snapped at her son. Marry, lets have a cup of tea, okay?
I dont want tea! I snapped. I want you all out of my flat right now!
There was an awkward silence. Andrew switched the TV off and stood.
Marry, you dont get it, he began, trying to be diplomatic. Our renovation is still ongoing, the builders say itll be at least another month. The kids cant stay there dust, chemicals, you know.
Thats not my problem, I cut in. I never gave permission for you to live here as a family. I only asked you to water the plants and pop in occasionally.
But you said stay as long as you need, Sophie retorted.
That was a figure of speech! I was losing patience. No sensible person would let an entire family move in, repaint, and claim rights!
The constable, who had arrived after Id called, raised a hand to halt the rising voices.
Right, heres the situation: the owner of the flat you, MrsThompson wants the occupants to leave. Thats your legal right. Even if there was an informal agreement, it can be withdrawn at any time, especially since this is your sole residence.
But we have nowhere else to go! Sophie blurted. Our renovations a mess!
Thats not the landlords issue, the officer said calmly. However, MrsThompson is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation. Thats generous given the circumstances.
A heavy silence settled. Sophie exchanged a glance with Andrew, then lowered her head.
Alright, she said finally. A week it is. Well sort something out.
And Im moving back in right now, I added. If you stay for the week, you must put everything back exactly as it was and stop any further changes.
Andrew nodded, looking genuinely remorseful.
I can stay one night to make sure everythings done, the constable offered.
No need, Andrew said quickly. We understand. Well clean up, find somewhere else, and leave. Im sorry, Marry. We got carried away.
I looked at Sophies eyes, seeing the sincere regret. Perhaps she hadnt realised how far over the line shed crossed.
Thank you, Andrew, I said quietly. I hope you can sort this out.
The officer wrote down everyones details, gave me his contact number, and left. The flat fell into an uneasy quiet. Sophie fiddled with her cardigan strap, avoiding my gaze.
Why, Sophie? After fifteen years, why would you do this? I asked softly.
She lifted her eyes, brimming with tears.
I didnt mean any harm. Our house is a disaster constant noise, dust, the kids getting sick. Your flat was clean, quiet, and I thought, Whats the difference if one person stays or four? Then I panicked and took the flat without asking properly.
So you decided to claim you have a right to live here? I shook my head. You crossed a line, Sophie. You cant treat friends like that.
I know, she whispered. Im so sorry. I let the stress get the better of me. When you came back early, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
James, lets pack up and go, the teen said suddenly, removing his headphones. Im embarrassed being here.
I stared at him, surprised at his sincerity.
No, James, you dont have to go now, I said more gently. Im giving you a week, but Im moving back in.
Andrew agreed, suggesting they could use one room while we used another, and they’d help put my things back.
That evening the Kuznetsovlike family set about restoring the flat. They hauled my figurines from the cupboard, rehung my pictures, replaced the blue curtains with my cream ones, and even helped Lucy arrange her little drawings on the shelves. By nightfall the place looked almost as it had before, though a few items were still out of place.
We all settled: the K family in the living room, Lucy on a sofa bed, James on the floor with his tablet, Andrew in the hallway, and I in my bedroom, finally back in my own bed after two weeks in a hotel.
The next morning I woke to the smell of fresh coffee. Sophie was at the stove, flipping pancakes just the way I liked them.
Morning, she said, a bit hesitant. Fancy having breakfast together? I made your favourite.
I hesitated, then nodded. Despite everything, wed been friends for years.
Over the stack of pancakes the atmosphere loosened. Lucy chatted about school, James cracked a joke, and Andrew talked about the news like old times.
By the way, Andrew said, my cousin has a spare flat in a nearby borough. Its empty while his tenants are on holiday. Hed let us stay there, no rent.
Really? Sophie asked, surprised. Why didnt you mention it earlier?
Andrew blushed.
I didnt want to ask for a favour. You know Im not close with my cousin. But now we have nowhere else, so well take it.
I felt a weight lift. If they could find another place, the conflict would end faster than Id feared.
Thats great, I replied, genuinely pleased. Im glad things are moving in the right direction.
Later that day, as I was coming home from work, Sophie met me in the hallway.
Were moving out, she said without preamble. The cousins flat is ready, we can even go in today. Ive packed everything.
I wasnt sure whether to feel relieved or sad the calm of my home was back, but the friendship had been shaken.
Im really sorry about all this, Sophie, I said quietly.
Me too, she lowered her eyes. I was wrong. I understand if you never want to speak to me again, but I want you to know I value our friendship. If you ever can forgive me
I looked at her, feeling the mix of hurt and the long history between us.
I dont know, Sophie, I admitted. My trust is broken. Maybe with time maybe we can start over.
An hour later the Kuznetsovtype family left my flat. Lucy gave me a tight hug, whispering, Sorry, AuntMarry. Youre the kindest. James shook my hand awkwardly, and Andrew helped with the last bags. Sophie lingered at the door.
I left you a little gift on the kitchen table, she said. A small token of apology and thanks for not throwing us out outright.
I opened the box to find a delicate porcelain pair of figures holding hands, tied with a ribbon, with a note: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. Love, Sophie.
I stared at it, remembering all the good times. Could I ever forgive her? I didnt have an answer yet, but deep down I knew that real friends, even after serious mistakes, stay in the heart.
