13October2025
I never imagined a simple visit to my sisters flat could end so abruptly. Victoria rang me up three hours ago, her voice warm and coaxing, begging me to stay while my own place is being refurbished. I hadnt even managed to unpack my suitcase from the hallway when she turned on me.
Pack your things and get out, now! she shouted, arms crossed at the door, her tone sharp enough to cut glass.
I stared at the leather bag Id left by the sofa, still halfempty. It was absurdonly three hours ago Id been grateful for the invitation, and now she was tossing me out as if I were a trespasser. I tried to keep my voice steady, though it trembled.
Victoria, can you at least tell me why? I asked, searching for any hint of reason.
Nothing at all. I just dont want you here. I thought I could handle your staying, but I cant. Ill call a taxi for you. Fine, suit yourself.
Her words felt like a cold wind. I walked slowly to the sofa, my hands clumsy, my throat dry. It had been almost two years since wed seen each othersince Mums funeral. The sudden call, the promises of hospitality, and now this sudden eviction without explanation left a knot in my chest.
Ill be quick, I whispered, forcing back tears.
Victoria tapped impatiently on the doorframe, watching me gather the few belongings I could pull from my bag. The tension showed only in the faint lines around her eyes. When I paused at the threshold, the resemblance between us struck mesame hazel eyes, the same high cheekbones, the same stubborn set of the chinyet she seemed a stranger now.
Goodbye, I said, stepping over the sill.
Goodbye, she echoed, slamming the door behind her.
The lift down to the street felt endless, replaying fragments of our last phone conversation from a week ago.
Charlotte, come over, Victorias voice had sounded unusually gentle then. Stay with me until the work at your flat is finished. Its high time we patched things up, dont you think?
Are you sure? I had asked cautiously. After everything
Come on, we’re sisters, she had replied. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to move past them. Come Saturday, Ill meet you.
Now, standing on the pavement with my bag, I tried to make sense of the three hours that had so drastically altered her mood. Earlier, shed welcomed me with tea, asked about my life, then vanished into another room claiming she had to take a call. When she returned, she was a different person.
My phone buzzed. A message from Victoria: The taxi will be here in seven minutes. Wait at the entrance. I exhaled and trudged toward the buildings front steps. A light drizzle began, the air turning cool. I set my bag down, pulled out my phone, and frantically thought where to go.
The only option I could see was Paul Harrisa former classmate wed been chatting with lately. He lives alone in a twobedroom flat in Manchester and would surely let me stay a few days while I figured out a plan.
Hello, Paul? Ive got a bit of a situation, I said once he answered.
He listened without interruption, then gave me his address. Dont worry, Ill be waiting, he said, his calm tone easing a fraction of the panic.
In the taxi, tears finally fell. Anger burned in my chest. What had I done to deserve such treatment? Did the old wounds over Mums estate still run that deep? After Mum passed, we fought over the family house. Victoria wanted to sell it and split the money; I insisted on keeping it because every wall held a memory. I bought out her share, went into debt, and held onto the flat. Perhaps she still resented that decision.
The cab pulled up in front of Pauls building. I handed over the fare and stepped out. He was already waiting, a smile tugging at his lips.
Dont make that sour face, he teased, taking my bag. Well get through this.
His flat was warm, the kettle whistling as he poured tea and offered biscuits. I recounted everything, my voice still shaky.
Something feels off, Paul said thoughtfully after I finished. Victoria didnt just call you for nothing. Something must have happened while you were there.
Nothing much, really, I shrugged. We had tea, talked about her job, her recent trip to Cornwall. Then she stepped out to take a call. When she came back, she wasdifferent.
Did she mention who she was speaking to? he asked.
I didnt catch it. She sounded lowkey, then immediately started asking how long I planned to stay, even though wed discussed a twoweek stay on the phone.
Whos doing the work on your flat? Paul pressed.
The crew Victoria recommendedfriends of her exhusband, supposedly good and cheap, I replied, a bitter smile forming. I havent checked on them yet; I have the keys but havent been in a week.
Paul frowned. Lets go see for ourselves now. I have a bad feeling.
Its late, I protested.
Thats why we should go. If everythings fine, well leave. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later we were pulling up outside my flat. My heart raced, a knot of dread tightening. As we climbed the stairs, muffled voices and the scrape of furniture drifted from my door.
Theres someone in there, I whispered, frozen.
Paul took the keys Id handed him and swung the door open. Boxes, suitcases, chaos. In the living room, amidst the mess, sat Victoria, halfexplaining something to two burly movers hauling a wardrobe.
What on earth is happening? I demanded, eyes scanning the scene.
Victoria jumped, surprise flashing before annoyance returned. Charlotte? What are you doing here?
This is my question! I shot back, crossing my arms just as she had done with me earlier.
She shuffled her hair nervously. I can explain
I hope so, I said, mirroring her earlier stance.
She glanced at the workers, who hesitated, then moved aside at her request. Guys, pause for a minute, she said, and they obliged.
Im waiting, I reminded her.
Victoria sighed heavily and sank onto the sofa. Im divorcing Ian. He threw me out of our house, and I have nowhere to go. I thought I could stay here until I find something else.
So you lured me out, invented a renovation, and moved in yourself? I asked, disbelief thick in my voice.
Not exactly, she muttered, eyes dropping. I originally wanted to make peace, to live together for a while, to rebuild our relationship. Then I realised I couldnt. Too much has piled up between us, Charlotte.
So you tried tosteal my flat? I felt my hands tremble with anger. Kick me out of my own home?
I would have explained later! Victoria snapped. I just have nowhere to go now. The repair crew could have let you stayif they were real.
Theres no repair work, I interjected. You made it up to get me to come.
She twisted her mouth. I thought I could convince you to give me the flat temporarily. I guessed youd be stubborn.
Stubborn? I gasped. Youre manipulating and lying to your own sister! What happened to you, Victoria?
She leapt from the sofa, fury contorting her face. Whats wrong with you? You were always Mums favourite, everything came easy for you! And now you have the houseIf wed sold it back then, I could have bought my own place and not been at Ians mercy all these years!
Thats the point, I whispered. You never forgave me for trying to keep Mums house. I paid you your share, even if it took time.
Its not about the money! she shouted. Its about you never caring about my feelings! You only think of yourself!
That’s not true, I shook my head. Ive always looked out for you, even now. Im giving you a chance to fix this.
What do you mean? Victoria asked, wary.
You have two options: leave right now with your things, or Ill call the police and press charges for illegal entry.
Paul, who had watched the confrontation in stunned silence, stepped forward. Charlotte, maybe theres a compromise? Youre sisters, after all
No, I said firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by her games. Victoria, decideleave now or I involve the police.
She stared at me, hatred flickering, but my resolve seemed to break her. Fine. Ill go, she snarled, gathering her belongings. Dont think this is over.
An hour later, the door slammed shut behind her. I collapsed onto the sofa, a wave of emptiness washing over me.
Do you want me to stay? Paul asked softly, settling beside me.
If you dont mind, I replied, grateful for his presence. I could use someone right now.
Of course, he said, taking my hand. I think Victorias going through a rough patchdivorce, no home. It doesnt excuse what she did, but it explains a bit.
Perhaps, I sighed. Im just tired of the endless fights. She always acts like I owe her everything, as if life handed me things on a silver platter. It isnt.
Silence settled between us as dusk deepened outside the window. I thought back to Mums deathhow close we had been, and how, instead of supporting each other, we drifted apart. Victoria rushed to sell the house, as if it were just bricks, while to me it was the last tangible link to Mum.
I get it, Paul squeezed my hand. Grief shows up in different ways. Maybe for Victoria its a way to avoid painful memories.
Maybe, I whispered. But deceiving me, chasing me outthats too much. I dont know if I can ever forgive her.
Give yourself time, he advised. And her too. When the anger settles, you might be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, I admitted, feeling the weight of uncertainty. First I need to sort out my own feelings.
We sat together, the room growing quieter as night fell. The flat still bore the traces of Victorias fleeting presence, but the silence felt less oppressive with Paul nearby.
Thank you, I finally said. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, he smiled. Actually, I was thinkingmaybe we could go to the cinema this weekend, or just take a walk in the park? A little normalcy wouldnt hurt.
I chuckled, the first genuine smile in hours. Id like that.
A week later my phone rang. It was Victoria. My thumb hovered over the end call button, but something made me answer.
Hello? I said, trying to keep my tone steady.
Charlotte, we need to talk, she said, her voice uncertain.
About what? I asked, crisp.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry, she stammered.
I stayed silent, unsure how to respond.
Im in a tough spot, but that doesnt excuse my behaviour. I shouldnt have treated you like that, she continued.
I understand youre angry, and you have every right to be, I replied finally. But I need time.
Of course, she said quickly. Just know I truly regret it. Were still sisters, after all.
I took a deep breath. I dont know yet, Victoria. I need space.
Take all the time you need, she agreed. Ill wait.
After hanging up, I stared out the window, the rain having stopped, the world outside still and grey. Victoria, with all her flaws, was still my only remaining family after Mum. Perhaps someday I could find it in me to forgive her, but not today. I needed to heal my own wounds first and learn to trust again.
My phone buzzed again. A message from Paul: How about a walk in the park tomorrow? Looks like sunny weather.
I smiled and typed back: Looking forward to it.
Life goes on, regardless of the turmoil. Maybe, in time, Victoria and I will rebuild whats been broken. For now, Im learning to value the people who truly stand by me in the hard moments, and to let go of toxic ties, even when theyre bound by blood.
One day, my sister and I will have that conversation. Until then, Im moving forward, trying to trust again, and finding happiness where I can.
