What are you doing here? We never expected to see you muttered the sister-in-law, flustered, as she spotted Rita on the doorstep of her own country cottage.
Rita turned off the engine and gazed at the little house through the windscreen. Nothing seemed to have changedthe same blue roof, the same birch trees lining the perimeter, the same green gate her father had painted years ago. The only odd thing was the light on in the porch. Neighbours, maybe? But the neighbours knew Rita hadnt visited in nearly a year.
She reached for her bag on the back seatthen froze. Someone was walking around the property. A figure darted between the apple trees before reappearing closer to the house. A woman in a T-shirt and shorts, carrying a child.
What the hell Rita muttered, stepping out of the car.
She approached the gate and stopped dead. Voices, laughter, and the clatter of dishes drifted from inside the house. Childrens clothes hung drying on the porch. Under the awning stood three bicyclestwo adult-sized, one childs. And the gate the gate wasnt locked. Rita pushed it open with a familiar creak.
Her feet carried her to the front door. Only one thought pulsed in her head: someone was living here. In *her* house. The front door was ajar, and in the hallway, she nearly tripped over a pair of small sandals. Strangers coats hung on the pegs. Two large suitcases and a basket of toys sat in the corner.
Her heart thudded in her throat. From the kitchen came a womans voicesomething about a forest walk tomorrowthen a childs laughter and the scrape of cutlery. The smell of fried potatoes and dill filled the air.
Mum, can we go to the river tomorrow? piped up a boys voice.
Well see, Tommy. If it doesnt rain
Rita took a step forward. Then another. She halted in the doorway.
At the table sat a man in his mid-thirties wearing a checkered shirt, next to a woman with fair hair tied in a ponytail. A toddler perched on her lap, while across from them, a boy of about eight waved a fork, chattering excitedly.
The woman noticed Rita first. Her face went slack with shock. A teacup slipped from her fingers and shattered on the floor.
What are you doing here? she stammered. We never thought youd just turn up
Rita recognised the voice. Linda. Her ex-husbands sister. The sister-in-law who had always been sweet and politeback when Rita was still married to David. After the divorce, shed vanished from Ritas life.
Linda? Ritas voice was hoarse. What are you doing here?
The manpresumably Lindas husbandslowly stood. His face flushed with guilt. The children fell silent, staring at the unfamiliar woman.
Rita he began. We thought Well, Dave said you never came here anymore. That the place was just sitting empty.
*Dave* said that? Ritas face burned. And what else did Dave say?
Linda scooped up the broken cup, still holding her daughter. The little girl whimpered and clung to her mother.
We just didnt think Linda said quickly, nervously. Its our holiday, and renting somewhere is so expensive. Dave said the keys were still around from when we all used to come here. Remember? Your birthday three years ago
The keys were still around, Rita repeated slowly. So you just decided to move into *my* house?
Wed have asked! Lindas husband cut in. But your numberwe didnt know how to reach you.
Rita blinked. Were they seriously suggesting the only issue was that they hadnt asked?
How long have you been here? she demanded.
A week, Linda admitted quietly. We planned to stay another ten days
Ten days, Rita echoed.
A heavy silence filled the kitchen. The boy set down his fork and glanced at his parents. The toddler in Lindas arms began to sniffle, sensing the tension.
Listen, Rita, the husband tried. We didnt mean any harm. The place was empty anyway. Weve been cleaning, watering the plants, even mowed the lawn. Its not worse off.
Not worse off? Ritas voice cracked. You broke into my home, lived here like it was yours, and you think thats *fine*?
We didnt break in! Linda snapped. Dave gave us the keys! We thought
Thought what? Rita cut in. That I was dead? That the house was up for grabs?
Linda clutched her daughter tighter, paling. You dont understand. We only get two weeks off a year. We cant afford to rent. The kids were so excited to come
And thats *my* problem? Rita took another step forward, and the family instinctively shrank back. This is *my* house! Mine! I inherited it from my father!
The boy suddenly burst into loud sobs. Rita flinched. He couldnt have been older than eight, skinny, with messy hair. Tears streamed down his face.
Mum, are we going home? he wailed. What about the river? And the bikes?
Ritas chest tightened. The children werent to blame. But this was *her* homeher one peaceful refuge.
Rita, please Linda whispered. Just give us a few more days. Weve planned everything, bought groceries. The kids were so happy
And where am *I* supposed to go? Rita shot back.
Theres plenty of room, the husband offered weakly. We could make space
Rita gave him a look that shut him up instantly.
She surveyed the kitchen. Strangers plates on the table. Strangers mugs in the sink. A vase of wildflowers on the windowsillone Rita remembered from childhood. The smell of cooking filled the air.
Theyd settled in comfortably. As if this were *theirs*.
Wheres Dave? Rita asked suddenly.
Linda and her husband exchanged glances.
Dave? Why? Linda asked.
Because *he* had the keys. And clearly, he gave you permission.
Hes in the city, Linda muttered. Busy with work.
Busy handing out other peoples houses, apparently.
The toddler began crying again. The boy hiccupped into his sleeve.
Rita, please Linda begged. Were *family*. Werent we close once? Cant you spare us some kindness?
Family? Rita scoffed. We were family as long as I was married to your brother. What are we now?
But
No buts, Rita snapped. And even if we *were* family, that doesnt give you the right to take what isnt yours!
Linda set her daughter down and straightened, her eyes hardening.
You know what, Rita? she said, voice sharp. You *could* throw us out. But think about itthis place sat empty for a year. We aired it out, cleaned it, tended the garden. Maybe its time to stop being so *stingy*?
Rita gaped.
*Stingy*? she finally managed. Im stingy because I wont let strangers live in my house?
Were *not* strangers! Linda snapped. Weve known each other for years! And its not like you even *live* here!
How do *you* know where I live? Ritas voice dropped dangerously.
Oh, come on. You havent been here in ages!
Rita clenched her fists. The *audacity*. First, they moved in uninvited, and now they were *lecturing* her?
Listen carefully, she said, deadly quiet. Youre leaving. First thing tomorrow. No debate.
Rita, have you lost your mind? Linda stepped forward, eyes blazing. How *could* you?
*Ive* lost my mind? Rita let out a brittle laugh. *You* broke into my home, acted like you own the placeand *Im* the unreasonable one?
The children burst into fresh tears. The wails echoed through the kitchen.
See what youve done! Linda shouted over them. Happy now?
Rita looked at the sobbing children, guilt and anger twisting inside her. They werent at fault. But neither was she.
*You* did this, Rita said. Not me.
We just wanted a holiday! Linda cradled her daughter. Is that so terrible?
Take a holiday. Not in *my* house.
*Where* then? her husband shouted. We cant afford rentals! Tiny salaries, bills, the *mortgage*! We saved all year for this!
Not my problem, Rita said coldly.
