Emma had let her friend stay the night, but the next morning she caught her rummaging through her things.
Where do you think youre going? Its nearly midnight!
Mum, I told you! Its Lucys birthday, were just going to the café, and Ill come straight home. Ill call a taxi, I promise!
Emma stood in the hallway, arms crossed, blocking her seventeen-year-old daughters path. Sophie, already made up and dressed in her new outfit, shifted impatiently from foot to foot.
A taxi this late? Are you mad? Its Fridayjust go out tomorrow. Youre not going, and thats final.
Mu-um! Sophie whined, her voice thick with frustration. Everyone else is allowed! You dont trust me, do you? You still think Im a kid!
I think London at night is no place for a seventeen-year-old girl. End of discussion. Go to your room and get changed.
Sophie glared, spun on her heel, and stomped off, slamming her bedroom door so hard the china rattled in the cabinet. Emma sighed and walked to the kitchen, her heart still pounding from the argument. She knew Sophie would sulk until morning, but she couldnt let her go. Fear for her only daughter outweighed any desire to be the cool mum.
She filled the kettle and sank onto a stool. The evening was ruined. Then the phone rang. Emma picked it up wearily, expecting complaints from her mother or another favour from a neighbour.
Hello? she said flatly.
Em? Emma, is that you? came a trembling, tear-filled voiceone she hadnt heard in years. Its Claire. Dawson. Do you remember me?
Emma froze. Claire Dawson? Her university best friend, the one life had pulled them apart from fifteen years ago. First, calls turned rare, then just Christmas cards, then silence.
Claire? Of course I remember. Whats wrong? You sound
Emma, Im so sorry to call this late, Claire choked. Ive got no one else. Something awfuls happened…
Between sobs, Claire told her storyjumbled, frantic, but the gist was clear: the man shed lived with for ten years had thrown her out. Hed met someone else, given her an hour to pack. The flat was his, and shed worked cash-in-hand for his business, so now she was on the street with one bag and no money.
Im at Kings Cross, Em, Claire whispered. I dont know what to do. Everyones turned their backs, and I cant go back to my parents in the countryside… Im too ashamed.
Emmas chest ached. She pictured Clairebright, confident, the girl every boy had fanciednow hunched on a grimy station bench, lost and alone. Her anger at Sophie faded instantly.
Claire, where exactly are you? she asked quickly.
Kings Cross.
Right. Listen carefully. Dont move. Take a taxi to mineIll cover the fare.
Em, no, I dont want to impose
No arguments! Emma cut in. Remember the address?
I think Wood Lane, number twelve?
Yes. Flat forty-five. Ill see you soon.
She hung up and rushed around, pulling out fresh sheets for the sofa. Her mind racedwhy had life been so cruel to Claire?
An hour later, the doorbell rang. On the doorstep stood Clairebut Emma barely recognised the woman before her. Puffy-eyed, dishevelled, clutching a small sports bag.
Em Claire whispered before collapsing into her arms, shaking with silent sobs.
Its okay, youre safe, Emma murmured, guiding her inside.
She made tea, but Claire barely drank, her hands trembling.
Thank you, Claire said hoarsely. I had nowhere else to go.
Dont be silly. Thats what friends are for.
Later, Emma peeked into Sophies room. Her daughter was asleep, curled under the blankets. She kissed her foreheadtheir fight forgotten.
But the next morning, Emma woke early. The flat was quiet. Creeping out, she froze. Her bedroom door was ajarand inside, Claire knelt by her dresser, rifling through drawers.
Emmas breath caught. Claire wasnt just lookingshe was searching. She pulled out Emmas jewellery box, sifted through it, then set it down with disappointment.
Emma backed away, heart hammering. Was Claire stealing?
But nothing was missing.
Later, Emma called an old university friend, Olivia.
Claire Dawson? Olivia said cautiously. Be careful, Em. Shes always had issues. Remember when money went missing from our trip fund?
A cold realisation settled in. Debts. Loan sharks. Claire wasnt just desperateshe was hunting for cash.
Emma came home early. She found Claire in Sophies room, flipping through an old photo albumone full of pictures of Emmas late husband, James.
What are you doing? Emmas voice was ice.
Claire startled, then smirked. James always bragged about his coin collection. Thought maybe he left you something valuable.
Betrayal cut deep. You used me.
Claires face hardened. I needed money. Youve got a home, a jobwhat was I supposed to do?
Emma pointed to the door. Get out.
When Claire left, Emma slumped against the wall. Sophie hugged her.
People change, Mum. Especially when theyre desperate.
Emma held her daughter tight. The flat felt clean againno lies, no greed. Just the two of them. Her real treasure wasnt in boxes or drawers. It was right here, in her arms.
*Sometimes kindness must have boundariesnot to shut others out, but to protect what truly matters.*
