I handed my best friend the keys to my flat before I went away, and when I returned I found that she had moved in with her whole family.
Mrs. Emily Turner, I understand youre angry, but lets keep calm, the constable said, rubbing his nose. So youre saying they refuse to leave your flat?
They dont just refuse! Emily flailed her arms in desperation. Sarah claimed she had every right to stay there! Can you believe it? I gave her the keys so she could water the plants, and she she her voice trembled.
Take a seat, the constable moved a chair closer. Tell me the whole story. When exactly did you give the keys to who?
To Sarah. Sarah Anne Cooper. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Actually, we used to be, Emily smiled bitterly, clutching a handkerchief. I never imagined she could do something like this.
Two weeks earlier Emily Turner, 53, had a life that ran like clockwork. She owned a cosy twobedroom flat in a respectable suburb, worked as an accountant for a reputable firm, and had an adult son who lived separately with his own family and visited now and then. She didnt feel lonely after her divorce a decade ago shed learned to enjoy independence and quiet.
That evening she was in the kitchen with Sarah, who shed met at an accountants training course years ago. Though they worked for different companies, theyd kept in touch.
Guess what, Sarah, I finally booked a break! Emily poured tea into mugs. Im off to Brighton for two weeks. All the travel and accommodation are paid for.
No way! Sarah beamed. Its about time! When was the last time you took a holiday? Three years?
Four, Emily sighed. Ever since Mum fell ill I never managed to get away. Now the stars finally lined up: work is quiet, the bills are settled.
Exactly! You have to think about yourself sometimes, Sarah sipped her tea and then, thoughtful, added: You know, Im a bit jealous, honestly. Our house is a mess we started a renovation, everythings turned upside down. Dust, rubbish, builders from dawn till dusk, and the neighbours downstairs keep complaining about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a trial, Emily agreed. But once its done the place will look great.
If we survive, Sarah chuckled. Sasha and the kids are already climbing the walls because of the chaos. We dream of escaping for a couple of weeks, but where? Hotels are pricey and staying with relatives is cramped.
Emily set her spoon down and looked at Sarah. A thought occurred to her: why not ask Sarah to look after the flat while she was away? She needed someone to water the plants and check that everything was alright.
Listen, Sarah, could you help me? Stay at my flat while Im at the sea, water the flowers and keep an eye on things. It might give you a break from the renovation too.
Sarahs face lit up.
Really? Youre not joking? Emily, that would be a lifesaver! I could pop over in the evenings after work. Honestly, everything would be perfect!
Stay as long as you need, Emily waved generously. Itll be easier for me knowing someones there, just in case anything happens.
They spent the rest of the night hashing out details when Emily would leave, how often to water the plants, how frequently to air out the flat. Sarah seemed genuinely grateful and promised to treat the place with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Emily, Sarah said shyly as she was leaving, would you mind if I occasionally spent the night? When Im exhausted from all the trips up and down.
Of course, Emily shrugged. The bedroom is ready, the fridge is stocked. Make yourself at home.
Emily would later recall that make yourself at home with a bitter smile.
On the day of departure Emily met Sarah again, handed over the keys and showed her how to tend the finicky orchid on the windowsill.
Dont worry about a thing, Sarah reassured, taking the keys gently. Enjoy your holiday, Ill keep an eye on everything.
And Emily left feeling calm, unaware of what awaited her.
Two weeks in Brighton flew by like a single day. She sunbathed, swam in the sea, even struck up a light romance with a pleasant man from the neighbouring B&B a first in many years. She sent Sarah a couple of pictures of the beach and received brief, warm replies: You look fantastic! and Im green with envy!
When the taxi pulled up to her block, Emily felt a pleasant fatigue and a tinge of sadness that the holiday was over. She went up to the fourth floor, unlocked the door, and froze on the threshold.
In the hallway there were unfamiliar shoes mens, womens and childrens. On the coat rack hung jackets and coats she didnt recognise. From somewhere deep inside the flat came the sound of a television and laughter.
What the Emily began, but at that moment Sarah popped out of the kitchen.
Oh, Emily! Youre back already? she exclaimed with forced surprise. Weve been waiting for you.
Whats happening here? Emily felt the floor give way beneath her. Why are there so many of your things? Whose shoes are those?
Well Sarah stammered. You did let me stay while you were away, so we we
We? Emily stepped into the living room and stopped dead. On her sofa sat Sarahs husband, Alexander, watching a football match. In an armchair a teenage boy, about fourteen, her eldest son Denis, was glued to a tablet. At the dining table an eightyearold girl, little Polina, was drawing intently.
Good afternoon, Aunt Emily, the girl said politely.
Alexander turned off the TV and nodded.
Hello, Emily. How was your break?
What are you all doing here? Emilys voice shook. I only invited Sarah to water the plants and maybe spend a night if she needed, not not to move in the whole family!
Emily, calm down, Sarah said softly, though her eyes betrayed tension. You saw how chaotic our home was. The kids cant stand it. We thought youd be fine with a few extra people. It helped us have a temporary refuge.
Temporary? Emily surveyed the room and noticed the décor had changed. Her small figurines were gone, replaced by unfamiliar framed photos. A painting she didnt recognise hung on the wall. The curtains were a bright blue instead of her beloved cream.
You you rearranged my flat? she felt a lump rise in her throat. Where are my things?
We stored them neatly in the cupboard, Sarah hurriedly said. The children needed space to play, so we adjusted a bit. Nothing serious.
Adjusted? Emily could not believe her ears. This is my flat! My flat!
Mom, why is she shouting? the teenager said, pulling off his headphones. We didnt break anything.
Denis, be quiet, Sarah snapped at her son. Emily, lets talk calmly. Youre tired, maybe want a cup of tea?
I dont want tea! Emilys fury boiled over. I want you to pack up and leave my flat right now!
A tense silence fell. Alexander switched off the TV and stood.
Emily, you dont understand, he began placating. Our renovations been delayed, the builders say itll be at least another month. The kids cant stay there dust, chemicals
Thats not my problem, Emily cut in. I never gave permission for an entire family to live here. I only asked Sarah to water the flowers and check that everything was alright.
But you said, Stay as long as you need, make yourself at home, Sarah countered.
That was a figure of speech! Emilys patience wore thin. No sane person would let a whole family move in, change the furniture and claim rights!
The constable raised his hand, halting the rising voices.
Lets be clear, he said. The property owner demands that you vacate the flat. Thats her legal right. Even if there was an oral agreement allowing you to stay, it can be withdrawn at any time, especially when it concerns the sole residence of the owner.
But we have nowhere to go! Sarah shouted. Our renovation is still in progress!
Thats not the landlords concern, the constable replied calmly. However, Mrs. Turner is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation. Thats generous given the circumstances.
A heavy quiet settled over the room. Sarah exchanged a glance with Alexander, then lowered her head.
Fine, she said finally. Well find something within a week.
And Im moving back in right now, Emily added. You may stay the week, but you must return everything to its original place and stop any further changes.
Sarah pursed her lips but nodded.
Ill stay tonight to make sure the agreement is kept, the constable offered, not fully trusting a peaceful resolution.
No need, Alexander said abruptly. We understand. Sorry, Emily, we acted rashly. Sarah misread the situation, and I went along. Well put everything back and look for a new place. Honest word.
Emily studied the man who had been her friends husband. His eyes showed genuine remorse; perhaps he truly hadnt realised how wrong theyd been.
Very well, she said. Ill give you a week. I hope you keep your promise.
The constable noted everyones details, wrote a brief protocol of the agreement and left his contact number with Emily in case further issues arose.
When he left, the flat fell into an awkward silence. Sarah twisted the cuff of her sweater, avoiding eye contact.
Why, Sarah? Emily asked quietly. After all these years, why would you do this to me?
Sarah lifted her eyes, wet with tears.
I didnt mean any harm. When we arrived, the flat was quiet, clean our own home was a mess. Dust, constant banging, the kids falling ill. I thought, why not use the spare space? One person or four, it didnt matter. Then it was too hard to admit wed taken it without asking.
So you decided to claim you had the right to live here? Emily shook her head. You crossed every line, Sarah. Friends shouldnt be treated like that.
I know, Sarah lowered her gaze. Im sorry. I was overwhelmed by the stress of the renovation. When you came back earlier than expected, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
Mom, lets just pack up and go, Denis said, removing his headphones. Im ashamed to be here.
Emily stared at the teenager, surprised by his conscience.
No, Denis, you dont have to leave right now, she replied gently. Im giving you a week, but Im moving back in. This is my home.
Absolutely, Alexander agreed. Well take one room, youll have the other. Well help put everything back where it belongs.
To Emilys astonishment, the Kuznetsovs spent the evening restoring the flat. They fetched figurines from the storage cupboard, rehung the original curtains, and arranged the photographs back on the shelves. Polina helped place small items on the bookshelves, Denis shifted furniture, and Alexander put up the creamcoloured curtains. Even Sarah, after a moment of embarrassment, rolled up her sleeves and took part.
By nightfall the flat looked almost as it had before. Some items were still slightly out of place, and a few things were missing, but Emily felt once again the owner of her home.
The Kuznetsovs set up camp in the living room parents on the sofa, Polina on a folding chair, Denis on the floor. Emily retreated to her bedroom, swapping the hotel bed for her own.
The next morning she awoke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. In the kitchen Sarah was at the stove.
Good morning, Sarah said tentatively. I thought maybe we could have breakfast together? I made pancakes, just the way you like them.
Emily hesitated, then nodded. After fifteen years of friendship, there was still a thread of goodwill, and Sarah seemed genuinely remorseful.
During breakfast the atmosphere eased. Polina chatted about school, Denis cracked a few jokes, and Alexander discussed the latest news, much like old times.
By the way, Alexander said, my cousin has a spare flat in the neighbouring borough. He usually lets people stay, but theres a short vacancy right now. He said we could move in while our renovation finishes, no rent required.
Really? Sarah looked surprised. Why didnt you mention it earlier?
I didnt want to ask for a favour, Alexander admitted. You know how I get on with my brotherinlaw. But weve got nowhere else, so weve had to act.
Emily felt a wave of relief. If the Kuznetsovs could find a new place, the conflict would end sooner than shed feared.
Thats wonderful, she said sincerely. Im glad things are falling into place for you.
Later that day, as Emily returned from work, Sarah met her in the hallway.
Were moving out, she said without preamble. My brotherinlaw gave the OK, we can relocate today. Ive already packed.
Emily didnt know whether to feel joy at the return of peace or sorrow that a fifteenyear friendship had been strained so badly.
Im sorry it turned out this way, Sarah, she whispered.
Me too, Sarah lowered her eyes. I was wrong, terribly wrong. Ill understand if you never want to speak to me again, but I want you to know I value our friendship and hope one day you can forgive me.
Emily looked at her old friend and realised that, despite the hurt, fifteen years of history couldnt be erased in an instant. People mess up, sometimes badly, but holding onto anger forever serves no one.
I dont know, Sarah, she admitted honestly. I need time. Youve broken my trust, but maybe, someday, we can start again.
An hour later the Kuznetsovs left the flat. At the door Polina gave Emily a tight hug and whispered, Sorry, Aunt Emily. Youre the kindest. Denis shook her hand awkwardly, and Alexander helped carry the last suitcases to a taxi.
Sarah lingered at the threshold.
I left you a present on the kitchen table, she said. Its a token of my apology and gratitude for not throwing us out on day one.
When the door shut, Emily was finally alone. The silence rang louder than it had in days filled with voices.
On the kitchen table lay a small box tied with a ribbon. Inside, a delicate porcelain figurine of two women holding hands. A note attached read, True friendship survives trials. I hope ours does. With love, Sarah.
Emily stared at the gift, recalling all the good times theyd shared. Could she forgive her friend? She didnt have an answer yet, but deep down she knew that, in time, the bond might get another chance, because real friends, even after mistakes, remain in the heart forever.
