I left my flats keys with my best mate while I was off on holiday, thinking shed just water the plants and maybe swing by for a cuppa. When I got back, the place was full of strangers her whole family had moved in.
Mrs. Hughes, I get why youre angry, but lets keep calm, the community officer said, rubbing his nose. So theyre refusing to leave your flat?
Theyre not just refusing! I snapped, my hands flailing. Emma swore she had every right to stay! Can you believe it? I gave her the keys to water a few geraniums and she she My voice cracked.
Take a seat, breathe, the officer nudged a chair forward. Tell me exactly what happened. When did you hand the keys over to whom?
To Emma. Emma Louise Collins. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Well, we used to be, I managed a bitter smile, clutching a handkerchief. I never imagined she could do something like this. Never.
Two weeks ago my life was ticking along nicely. At fiftythree Id got everything Id ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a decent part of town, a steady job as an accountant for a reputable firm, an adult son who lived with his own family and dropped by now and then. I wasnt lonely after my divorce ten years ago Id learned to enjoy my own company.
That evening I was in the kitchen with Emma. Wed met on an accountanttraining course years back and had kept in touch despite working for different companies.
Can you believe it, Emma? I finally booked a twoweek break to Brighton. Everythings paid for, I said, pouring tea into mugs.
Good for you! Its been ages since youve had a proper holiday. Three years? Emma beamed.
Four, I sighed. Since Mum fell ill I never found the chance. Now the stars finally line up works calm, finances are sorted.
Exactly! Youve got to look after yourself, Emma sipped and then, thoughtful, added: Honestly, Im a bit jealous. Our house is a disaster right now renovations, dust everywhere, builders from dawn till dusk, and the downstairs neighbours keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a test, I agreed. But itll look great once its done.
If we survive this, Emma laughed, the kids are already climbing the walls out of sheer boredom. We dream of escaping for a couple of weeks, but hotels are pricey and staying with relatives is cramped.
I set my spoon down and looked at her. A thought struck: why not ask Emma to mind my flat while Im away? She could water the plants, check that everythings alright.
Hey, Emma, would you stay at my place while Im on the coast? Water the flowers, keep an eye on things. Itd give you a break from the renovation chaos.
Emmas face lit up. Really? Youre not joking? That would be a lifesaver! I could pop in evenings after work. I promise everything will be perfect.
Stay as long as you need, I waved my hand. Itll be easier knowing someones there.
We went over the details when Id leave, how to tend the orchids on the windowsill, how often to open the windows. Emma seemed genuinely grateful and swore shed treat the flat with kidglove care.
Just one thing, Maggie, she said shyly as she was about to go, would you mind if I occasionally slept over? The renovation days are exhausting.
Of course, I shrugged. The spare bedrooms ready, the fridges stocked. Make yourself at home.
That phrase make yourself at home Id later think of with a bitter smile.
On the day of my departure I met Emma again, handed over the keys, and showed her the careful way to water the finicky orchid.
Dont worry about a thing, she said, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your break, Ill look after everything.
Off to Brighton I went, feeling light and carefree. Two weeks flew by like a single day. I soaked up the sun, swam in the sea, even met a charming bloke from the next chalet a lighthearted seaside romance. I pinged Emma with beach photos and she replied with short but warm messages: You look stunning! and Im so jealous of that sunshine!
When the taxi pulled up to my block, I felt a pleasant fatigue and a tinge of sadness that the holiday was over. I walked up to the fourthfloor flat, unlocked the door and froze on the landing.
In the hallway were shoes mens, womens, kids. The coat rack held jackets I didnt recognise. From somewhere inside came the hum of a TV and laughter.
What on earth I started, when suddenly Emma popped out of the kitchen.
Oh, Maggie! Youre back early! she exclaimed, feigning surprise. We were expecting you tomorrow.
What is happening here? I felt the floor drop out from under me. Why are there so many belongings? Whose shoes are these?
Well, Emma stammered, you did let me stay while you were away. So we
We? I stepped into the living room and stopped dead. On my sofa sat Emmas husband, Alex Turner, watching a football match. In an armchair, a teenage boy, their son Danny, was glued to a tablet. At the dining table a little girl, eightyearold Polly, was drawing intently.
Hello, Aunt Maggie, the girl said politely.
Alex turned off the TV and nodded. Hey, Maggie. How was the break?
What are you all doing here? My voice trembled. I only asked you to water the plants and maybe check the flat, not not move in with the whole family!
Dont get upset, Maggie, Emma said softly, though her eyes were tense. You saw how chaotic our home was. The kids cant stand it. We thought youd understand a few people, a week, nothing more. It was just a temporary stopgap.
A temporary stopgap? I scanned the room and noticed my favourite figurines were gone, replaced by strangers photos. A new painting hung on the wall, the curtains were a bold blue instead of the soft cream Id chosen.
You actually rearranged my flat? I felt my throat tighten. Where are my things?
We put them in the storage cupboard, neatly, Emma rushed. The kids needed space to play. We just tweaked things a bit, nothing serious.
Tweaked? This is my flat! I snapped. You didnt have any right to move furniture around or keep your whole family here.
Danny, pausing his game, muttered, We didnt break anything. Emma snapped at him, Danny, quiet. She turned back to me, trying to smooth things over. Lets have a cup of tea?
No tea! I want you all to pack up and leave this evening, now! Anger boiled over.
A heavy silence fell. Alex switched off the TV and stood.
Maggie, you dont get it, he began calmly. Our renovation is still ongoing, the builders say itll be at least another month. The dust, the chemicals its not safe for the kids.
Its not my problem, I cut in. I never gave permission for an entire family to live here. I only asked you to water the flowers and look in occasionally.
But you did say stay as long as you need, Emma reminded.
That was a figure of speech! No sane person would let a whole family move in, change the décor and claim rights over the place! I clenched my fists. You have an hour to clear out.
An hour? Alex frowned. Where will we go? The renovation isnt finished.
Its not my issue, I said firmly. You should have thought before taking over someone elses home.
Emma suddenly straightened. We wont go anywhere. By law, if someone hands you the keys voluntarily, theyve consented to you staying. We have witnesses who can confirm you invited me to live here.
What? Who? I was stunned. Youre talking nonsense.
Our neighbour, Mrs. Patel, heard us when you gave me the keys on the landing. She remembers you saying stay as long as you want, feel at home. Thats a witness statement, if you need it.
My head spun. Could my best friend really twist my words like that? She was threatening me with madeup legalities.
Leave my flat, or Ill call the police, I said quietly but firmly.
Call them, Emma shrugged. Theyll just confirm were legally staying here with the owners consent.
Later I found myself in the community officers office, recounting the absurd story. He sighed. So you handed over the keys voluntarily, but there was no written agreement about who could reside there?
Exactly! I protested. I only asked her to water the plants! Not to move in with her husband, son and daughter!
The police cant intervene in family disputes unless theres a clear breach of tenancy law, the officer explained. Without written terms, its a gray area. They could argue its a temporary stay and you cant revoke it instantly. You could try mediation, or you could file for an eviction in court.
What should I do? I asked, feeling helpless. This is my flat my possessions, my documents, my medicines! Now I might have to stay with my son because these people refuse to leave!
The officer suggested a few options, he said, tapping a note. He can speak to them and try to reach a settlement. You could file an eviction claim. Or you could give them a short grace period to find somewhere else, say a week, considering the children.
I thought about the kids they were innocent in all this. Polly didnt deserve to be homeless because of her mothers mistake.
Alright, I said finally. Ill give them a week to find another place, but they must put everything back the way it was and not touch my belongings.
He nodded and we headed back to my building. It was already dusk when we arrived. Emma opened the door, looking visibly nervous.
Good evening, she said, letting us in. Whats happened?
The officer introduced himself formally, and I explained that I was the flats owner and that I was filing a formal complaint about unlawful occupation.
Alex tried to argue, Maggie let us stay! I countered, I never consented to a whole family moving in. I only asked Emma to water a few plants.
Emma tried to defend herself, I just meant stay as long as you need, a figure of speech.
The officer raised his hand, halting the argument. The law says the owner can withdraw verbal consent at any time. You must vacate within the agreed period. Ill give you a week, which is generous under the circumstances.
A heavy silence settled. Emma exchanged a look with Alex, then sighed. A week. Well find somewhere else.
I added, And you must return all my things to their original spots. Im moving back in immediately.
Alex nodded, looking genuinely apologetic. Were sorry, Maggie. We messed up. The renovations still a mess, and we panicked. Well sort everything out and leave as soon as possible.
The officer wrote down everyones details and gave me his contact number in case anything went wrong.
When he left, the flat was quiet. Emma fidgeted with her sleeve, avoiding my gaze.
Why, Emma? I whispered. Why would you do this to me after fifteen years of friendship?
Tears welled in Emmas eyes. I didnt mean any harm. Our home was a disaster dust everywhere, the kids were getting sick. Your flat was clean, quiet. I thought one person staying wouldnt be a big deal, then it spiralled. I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
You crossed a line, Emma. You cant just take over someones home, I said, shaking my head.
I know, she sobbed. Im sorry. I was stressed, I lost my mind. When you came back early I freaked out.
At that moment Danny, their son, took off his headphones and said, Im embarrassed to be here.
I was surprised by his honesty. You dont have to leave right now, but Im giving you a week. Ill be back in my flat, thats all.
Alex suggested, We could stay in one room while we look for a new place. Well help put your things back.
The evening turned into an unexpected cleanup. From the storage they pulled out my little porcelain figurines, family photos, books. Polly sorted the shelves, Danny moved the spare chair, Alex rehung the curtains Id chosen. Even Emma got involved, despite the awkwardness.
By nightfall the flat looked almost as it had before. Not everything was perfectly placed, but the main things were back. The Kuznetses (well, the Turners now) set up a makeshift sleeping area in the living room, while I reclaimed my bedroom.
The next morning I woke to the smell of fresh coffee. Emma was at the stove, flipping pancakes just the way I liked them.
Morning, she said timidly. Would you like to have breakfast together? I made your favourite pancakes.
I hesitated, then nodded. We were still friends, after all, and she seemed genuinely remorseful.
Over breakfast the tension eased. Polly chattered about school, Danny cracked a joke, Alex chatted about the news. Then Alex mentioned, My cousin actually has a spare flat in the next neighbourhood. Hes letting it out for free while his tenants are away. It might be perfect for us until the renovations done.
Emma looked surprised. Why didnt you tell us earlier?
Alex shrugged. I didnt want to ask for a favour. Our relationship with the cousins family is a bit strained. But now we have a way out.
I felt a wave of relief. If they could find somewhere else, the whole mess would be over quickly.
Thats great, I said. Im glad youve got a solution.
Later that day, when I got home from work, Emma met me in the hallway.
Were moving out tomorrow, she said straight. The cousins flat is ready, weve packed everything.
I didnt know whether to feel happy that my flat was finally mine again, or sad that a fifteenyear friendship had come so close to breaking.
Im really sorry for everything, Maggie, she whispered. I was wrong, and I understand if you never want to see 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 anger and the lingering bond. I need time, Emma. Youve shattered my trust. Maybe one day we can start over, but not now.
An hour later the Turners left, with Polly giving me a tight hug and whispering, Sorry, Aunt Maggie. Youre the kindest. Danny shook my hand, a little awkwardly, and Alex helped carry the last bags to a waiting cab.
Emma lingered at the doorway. I left you a little something on the kitchen table, she said. A token of apology and thanks for not kicking us out straight away.
On the table was a small box tied with a ribbon. Inside sat a delicate porcelain figurine of two women holding hands, with a note: True friendship survives the toughest tests. I hope ours does. With love, Emma.
I stared at the gift, recalling all the good years wed shared. Could I ever forgive her? I didnt know yet, but deep down I realised that genuine friends, even after big mistakes, stay in the heart forever.
