I left the keys to my flat with my best friend while I was away on holiday, only to return and find that shed moved her whole family in.
Mrs. Smith, I understand youre angry, but lets keep calm, the local constable said, rubbing his nose. So youre saying they refuse to leave your flat?
Theyre not just refusing! I snapped, hands flailing. Emily swore she had every right to stay there! Can you believe it? I gave her the keys just so she could water my plants, and she she My voice cracked.
Take a seat, calm down, the constable moved a chair over. Tell me exactly what happened. When did you hand the keys to whats her name?
Emily Anderson, I replied, clutching a handkerchief. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Well, we used to be. I never imagined shed do something like this. Never!
Just two weeks earlier my life was neat and predictable. At fiftythree I had everything Id ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a nice part of town, a stable job as an accountant at a respectable firm, an adult son who lived with his own family and visited now and then. I wasnt lonelyafter my divorce a decade ago Id learned to value independence and quiet.
That evening I was in the kitchen with Emily. Wed met on a continuingprofessionaldevelopment course for accountants and had kept in touch ever since, even though we worked for different companies.
Can you believe it, Emily? I finally booked a twoweek break to Brighton, I said, pouring tea. Everythings paid for.
Youre kidding! Emily exclaimed, genuinely happy for me. Its about time! When was the last time you took a holiday? Three years?
Four, I sighed. Since mum fell ill I never got the chance. Now the stars finally seem to line upwork is quiet, the finances are sorted.
Exactly! You have to think about yourself once in a while, Emily said, sipping her tea, then added thoughtfully, Honestly, Im a bit jealous. Our house is a messrenovations, dust everywhere, workers from dawn till dusk, and the neighbours downstairs keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a test, I agreed, but itll be beautiful once its done.
If we survive it, Emily laughed, Sasha and the kids are already losing it over the chaos. We dream of 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. Then a thought struck: why not ask Emily to look after my flat while Im away? After all, I needed someone to water the plants and check that everythings alright.
Listen, Emily, could you stay at my place while Im at the seaside? Water the flowers, look after the flat. Itd give you a break from the renovation too.
Emilys face lit up.
Really? Youre not joking? That would be a lifesaver! I could pop over in the evenings after work. I swear, everything will be perfect!
Stay as long as you need, I waved my hand. Itll be easier knowing someones there. Who knows what could happen otherwise?
We spent hours hashing out the detailswhen Id leave, how to tend the orchids on the windowsill, how often to air out the rooms. Emily seemed genuinely grateful and promised to treat the flat with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Mari, she said shyly as she was about to leave, would you mind if I sometimes slept over? When Im exhausted from the endless trips up and down.
Of course, I shrugged. The spare bed is made up, theres food in the fridge. Make yourself at home.
That phrasemake yourself at homewould later ring in my ears with bitter irony.
On the morning of my departure I met Emily again, handed over the keys, and showed her how to prune the temperamental orchid.
Dont worry about a thing, she said, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your break, and Ill keep an eye on everything here.
And so I set off with a light heart, unaware of what awaited me on my return.
Two weeks in Brighton flew by like a single day. I tanned, swam in the sea, and even struck up a flirtatious conversation with a charming fellow from the next caravan parka first romantic fling in years. I sent Emily a few sunny photos, and she replied with short but warm messages: You look stunning! and Im green with envy!.
When the taxi pulled up at my block, I felt a pleasant fatigue and a faint sadness that the holiday was ending. I climbed to the fourth floor, unlocked the door and froze in the hallway.
Bootsmens, womens, and childrenswere scattered on the floor. Unfamiliar coats hung on the rack. From the flats interior came the sound of a television and laughter.
What on earth I began, when a voice called from the kitchen.
Oh, Marian! Youre back already? Emily shouted, feigning surprise. We were expecting you tomorrow.
Whats going on here? My stomach dropped. Why are there so many belongings? Whose shoes are these?
Well Emily stammered. You did let me stay here while you were away. So we
We? I stepped into the living room and stopped dead. On my sofa sat Emilys husband, Alex Turner, watching football. In an armchair a teenage boyabout fourteenDennis, her eldest son, was glued to a tablet. At the dining table, eightyearold Polly was drawing fervently.
Good afternoon, Aunt Marian, the little girl said politely.
Alex turned off the TV and nodded. Hey, Marian. How was the break?
What are you all doing here? My voice trembled. I said you could stay over occasionally, not move in with the whole family!
Marian, dont get worked up, Emily said softly, though her eyes were tense. You saw how chaotic things are at our place. The kids cant handle it. We thought you wouldnt mind a few extra heads in a vacant flat. It helped us a lot.
Temporary? I glanced around and noticed my favourite statuettes gone, replaced by strangers framed photos. A new painting hung on the wall, and the curtains were a bright blue rather than my beloved cream.
Youve rearranged my flat? I felt a lump rise in my throat. Where are my things?
We put them in the cupboard, neatly, Emily rushed. The kids needed space for play. We just adapted the flat a bit, nothing serious.
Adapted? I couldnt believe what I was hearing. This is my flat! My flat!
My son, shut up, Emily snapped at Dennis. Marian, lets talk calmly. Youre tired, have a cup of tea?
I dont want tea! I felt anger boiling. I want you all to pack up and leave this flat right now! Now!
A heavy silence fell. Alex turned off the TV and stood.
Marian, you dont understand, he began evenly. Our renovation is dragging on, the workers say itll be at least another month. The kids cant stay theredust, chemicals.
Thats not my problem, I cut in. I never consented to a whole family moving in. I only asked Emily to water the plants and check that everything was okay.
But you did say stay as long as you need, Emily retorted.
That was a figure of speech! I was losing patience. No sane person would let a family move in, change the décor, and then claim rights.
The constable raised his hand, halting the rising argument.
Ladies and gentlemen, heres the situation: the property owner demands you vacate. She has the legal right to do so. Even if there was an oral agreement for temporary stay, it can be withdrawn at any time, especially when it concerns a soleoccupancy flat.
But we have nowhere to go! Emily cried. Our renovation is still ongoing!
Thats not the owner’s concern, the officer replied. Mrs. Smith is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation. Thats generous, given the circumstances.
The room fell silent. Emily exchanged a glance with Alex, then lowered her head.
Fine, she said finally. A week is a week. Well find somewhere.
And Ill be moving back in right now, I added. You may stay for a week, but you must return all my belongings to their original places and stop any further changes.
Alex nodded. Ill stay overnight to make sure the agreement is honoured.
No need, Alex said. We get it. Were sorry, Marian. Emily misunderstood, and I was caught up in the stress. Well reset everything and look for new housing. Honest word.
I looked at Alexs eyes and saw genuine remorse. Perhaps he truly hadnt realised how wrong theyd been.
Alright, I said. I believe you, Alex. I hope you keep your word.
The constable noted everyones details, drafted a brief protocol of the settlement, and gave me his contact number in case any problems arose.
After he left, the flat fell into an awkward hush. Emily fidgeted with the cuff of her sweater, avoiding my gaze.
Why, Emily? I asked quietly. Why did you do this to me? Weve been friends for fifteen years.
Emily lifted her eyes, wet with tears. I didnt mean any harm. Our house is a nightmaredust, constant noise. Here its clean, quiet, and theres space. I thought one person or even four wouldnt make a difference. Once we were here, I panicked to admit wed taken the flat without permission.
So you claimed you had the right to live here? I shook my head. You crossed every boundary, Emily. Friends dont do that.
I know, she whispered. Im sorry. I was under too much stress from the renovation. When you returned early, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
My son, lets just pack up and leave, Dennis said, removing his headphones. Im ashamed to be here.
I stared at the teenager, surprised at his conscience.
No, Dennis, you dont have to go right now, I replied gently. Im giving you a week, but Im moving back in. This is my home.
Alex agreed. Well take one room, youll have the other. Well help put everything back where it belongs.
To my amazement, the Kuznetsov family spent the evening restoring the flat. They retrieved my statuettes from the cupboard, hung my framed photos, put back my books. Polly arranged tiny ornaments on the shelves, Dennis moved furniture, and Alex rehung the original curtains. Even Emily, embarrassed, pitched in.
By nightfall the flat looked almost as it had before. Some items were misplaced, a few missing, but the main feel was restored.
The Kuznetsovs settled on the sofaparents on the couch, Polly on a beanbag, Dennis on the floor. I reclaimed my bedroom, swapping the hotel bed for my own familiar mattress.
The next morning I woke to the smell of fresh coffee. Emily was at the stove.
Morning, she said hesitantly. I thought maybe we could have breakfast together? I made pancakes, just like you like.
I paused, then nodded. Wed been friends for years, after all, and she seemed truly remorseful.
Over breakfast the atmosphere eased. Polly chattered about school, Dennis cracked a joke, and Alex discussed the news, just like old times.
By the way, Alex mentioned, my cousin has a spare flat in a nearby suburb. Hes letting it out while his tenants are on a break. He said we could stay there until our renovation finishes, no rent.
Really? Emily looked surprised. Why didnt you ask him sooner?
Alex shrugged. I didnt want to impose. You know I dont get along well with my brotherinlaw, Vicky. But were out of options.
I felt a lift. The Kuznetsovs would have somewhere to go, and the dispute could end quickly.
Thats great, I said sincerely. Im glad things are working out for you.
Later that day, as I returned from work, Emily met me in the hallway.
Were moving out, she said bluntly. Vicky gave the green light, we can be in the new flat today. Ive packed everything.
I wasnt sure whether to feel relieved or sad that our long friendship had been jeopardised.
Im sorry everything turned out like this, Emily, I said quietly.
Im sorry too, she lowered her eyes. I was wrong. Very wrong. Ill understand if you never want to speak to me again, but I want you to know I value our friendship and hope you can forgive me someday.
I looked at her and realised that fifteen years of friendship couldnt simply be erased. People make serious mistakes, but holding onto anger forever rarely helps.
I dont know, Emily, I answered honestly. I need time. Youve shattered my trust, but maybe, in the future, we can start anew.
An hour later the Kuznetsovs left my flat. Polly gave me a tight hug and whispered, Sorry, Aunt Marian. Youre the kindest. Dennis shook my hand awkwardly, and Alex helped with the last bags to a cab.
Emily lingered at the doorway.
I left you a little present on the kitchen table, she said. Its an apology and a thankyou for not throwing us out on day one.
When the door closed behind them, I was finally alone in my flat. The silence sounded unusually loud after days filled with a whole familys chatter.
On the kitchen table lay a small box tied with a ribbon. Inside was a delicate porcelain figurinetwo women standing side by side, holding each others hands. A note attached read: True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. With love, Emily.
I stared at the gift, recalling the good times wed shared over the years. Could I ever forgive her? I didnt have an answer yet, but deep down I knew that, in time, our friendship might get a second chance. Real friends, even after mistakes, stay in the heart forever.
