I left the spare key to my flat with my best friend before a twoweek break, and when I came back I found the whole family had moved in.
MrsHarper, I understand youre upset, but lets speak calmly, the local constable said, rubbing his nose. So, they refuse to leave your flat?
Not just refuse! Maggie flailed, panic spilling from her. Blythe said she has the full right to stay! Can you imagine? I gave her the key just to water the orchids, and she she
Take a seat, breathe, the officer pushed a chair forward. Tell me the whole story. When exactly did you hand over the key to whom?
To Blythe Anderson, Maggie replied, clutching a handkerchief. Weve been friends for fifteen years. Or rather, we were she smiled bitterly, tightening her grip. I never thought she could do something like this.
Two weeks earlier Maggie Harpers life had the rhythm of a metronome. At fiftythree she owned everything shed ever wanted: a cosy twobedroom flat in a leafy Surrey suburb, a steady job as an accountant at a respectable firm, an adult son who lived with his own family and visited now and then. Loneliness never bothered herafter a divorce a decade ago she had learned to value independence and peace.
That evening she was in the kitchen with Blythe. They had met on an accounting refresher course and kept in touch despite working for different companies.
Can you believe it, Blythe? Im finally doing it! Maggie poured fragrant tea into two cups. Im off to Brighton for two weeks. The package is booked, everything paid.
Oh, thats wonderful! Blythes face lit up. Its been ages since youve taken a holiday. Three years?
Four, Maggie sighed. Ever since Mum fell ill I never managed to get away. Now the stars seem aligned: work is quiet, finances are tidy.
Exactly! You have to think of yourself sometimes, Blythe said, sipping her tea, then mused, You know, Im a bit jealous, honestly. Our house is a messrenovation started, dust everywhere, workers from dawn till dusk, and the neighbours below complain about the noise. Its a nightmare.
Renovations are always a trial, Maggie agreed. But once its done itll be beautiful.
If we survive, Blythe halflaughed. 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.
Maggie set her spoon down and stared at Blythe. An idea flickered: why not ask Blythe to look after the flat while she was away? After all, someone would need to water the flowers and check that everything was alright.
Blythe, could you stay at my place while Im at the sea? Water the orchids, keep an eye on things. It would also give you a break from the renovation.
Blythes face brightened.
Really? Youre not joking? Maggie, that would be a lifesaver! I could drop in each evening after work. Promise, everything will be perfect!
Stay as long as you need, Maggie waved a hand generously. Itll be easier for me knowing someones there. Who knows what could happen otherwise?
They ironed out the detailswhen Maggie would leave, how to tend the orchids, how often to open the windows. Blythe seemed genuinely grateful and swore to treat the flat with the utmost care.
Just one thing, Maggie, Blythe said shyly before leaving, would you mind if I occasionally slept over? When Im completely exhausted from the backandforth.
Of course, Maggie shrugged. The bedroom is ready, the fridge stocked. Make yourself at home.
That phrasemake yourself at homewould later echo in Maggies mind with a bitter twist.
On the day of departure Maggie handed the key to Blythe, showing her how to prune the finicky orchid on the windowsill.
Dont worry about a thing, Blythe assured, cradling the key. Enjoy your break, Ill look after everything.
And Maggie set off with a light heart, unaware of the storm waiting at her return.
Two weeks in Brighton whizzed by like a single sunrise. Maggie sunkissed the beach, swam until the tide was a foamwhite blanket, and even flirted with a charming gentleman from the neighbouring guesthousea first real romance in years. She sent Blythe a couple of sunsplashed photos and received brief, warm replies: You look stunning! and Im green with envy!
When a black cab pulled up to her building, Maggie felt a pleasant fatigue and a hint of melancholy that the holiday was ending. She climbed the fourthfloor landing, turned the key, and froze on the doorstep, eyes wide.
In the hallway lay strangers shoesmens, womens, childrens. Hangers displayed coats shed never owned. From the flat came the faint murmur of a television and muffled laughter.
What on earth Maggie began, when suddenly a figure emerged from the kitchen.
Oh, Maggie! Youre back early! Blythe called, feigning surprise. We were expecting you tomorrow.
Whats happening here? Maggie felt the floor tilt beneath her. Why are there so many things in my flat? Whose shoes are these?
Well Blythe stammered. You did let me stay while you were away, so we
We? Maggie moved into the living room and stopped dead. On her sofa sat Blythes husband, Alexander Greene, watching a football match. In an armchair a fourteenyearold boy, their eldest son Dennis, was glued to a tablet. At the kitchen table an eightyearold girl, Polly, was absorbed in drawing.
Hello, Aunt Maggie, the little girl said politely.
Alexander paused the screen and nodded.
Hi, Maggie. How was the break?
What are you all doing here? Maggies voice trembled. I asked Blythe to water the orchids and maybe pop in now and then, not to move in with the whole family!
Maggie, dont get worked up, Blythe said softly, though tension glittered in her eyes. You saw the chaos at our house. The kids cant stand it. We thought you wouldnt mind a few extra bodies. The flat was empty, and this temporary shelter helped us a lot.
Temporary? Maggie scanned the rooms, noticing how the décor had shifted. Her little porcelain figurines were gone, replaced by unfamiliar framed photos. A painting shed never owned hung on the wall. The curtains were no longer her soft cream, but a bold sapphire.
You you rearranged my flat? she felt a lump rise in her throat. Where are my things?
We tucked them in the cupboard, Blythe hurriedly replied. The kids needed space to play, so we adjusted things a bit, nothing serious.
Adjusted? Maggie could not believe her ears. This is my flat! My
Mum, why is she shouting? Dennis snapped his tablet shut. We havent broken anything.
Dennis, be quiet, Blythe snapped at her son. Maggie, lets talk calmly. Youre exhausted. How about tea?
I dont want tea! Maggies anger boiled over. I want you all to pack up and leave my flat right now!
A heavy silence settled. Alexander turned off the TV and rose.
Maggie, you dont understand, he began evenly. Our renovation is delayed, the workers say it could be another month. The children cant stay in that dust and chemicals.
Thats irrelevant to me, Maggie cut in. I never agreed to you all living here. I only asked Blythe to water the plants and check that everything was alright.
But you said, Stay as long as you need, Blythe interjected.
That was a figure of speech! Maggies patience snapped. No sane person would let an entire family move in, change the furniture, and claim rights!
The constable, who had arrived earlier, raised his hand to halt the rising clash.
Heres the situation, folks. The owner demands you vacate. Even if there was an oral permission, it can be withdrawn at any time, especially when the property is a sole residence.
We have nowhere to go! Blythe exclaimed. Our house is a wreck!
Thats not the owners problem, the officer replied calmly. However, MrsHarper is willing to give you a week to find alternative accommodation. Thats generous under the circumstances.
A hush fell. Blythe exchanged a glance with Alexander, then lowered her head.
Fine, a week it is. Well find something.
And Ill move back in immediately, Maggie added. Return all my belongings to their places, and stop altering anything.
Blythe pressed her lips together, then nodded.
I can stay a night to make sure the agreement is kept, the officer offered, though his tone suggested doubt.
No need, Alexander said suddenly. We understand. Sorry, Maggie, we overreacted. Blythe misunderstood, and I went along. Well put everything back and look for a new place. Honest word.
Maggie studied Alexanders eyes, seeing genuine remorse. Perhaps he truly hadnt realised how wrong theyd been.
Alright, she said. I trust you, Alexander. I hope youll keep your word.
The officer wrote down everyones details, drafted a brief protocol, and left his contact number with Maggie in case further issues arose.
When he left, an uneasy quiet filled the flat. Blythe twisted the cuff of her cardigan, avoiding Maggies gaze.
Why, Blythe? Maggie asked softly. After fifteen years of friendship, why did you do this?
Blythe lifted her eyes, brimming with tears.
I didnt mean any harm. Our house is a disasterdust, constant hammering, the kids getting sick. Your flat was clean and quiet. I thought, whats the difference if one person or four stay? There was space. Then it became too hard to admit wed taken it without asking.
So you claimed you had a right to live here? Maggie shook her head. You crossed every boundary, Blythe. Friends arent meant to be treated like that.
I know, Blythe whispered. Im sorry. I was under too much stress from the renovation. When you returned earlier than expected, I panicked and said the first thing that came to mind.
Lets just pack up and go, Dennis said abruptly, removing his headphones. Im ashamed to be here.
Maggie stared at the teenager, surprised at his conscience.
No, Dennis, you dont have to leave now, she replied gently. Ill give you a week, but Im moving back in. This is my home.
Of course, Alexander agreed. Well take one room, youll have the other. Well help put everything back where it belongs.
To Maggies astonishment, the Greene family spent the evening restoring the flat. They fetched the porcelain figurines from the cupboard, rehung the familiar curtains, placed the family photos back on the shelves. Polly arranged tiny trinkets, Dennis moved the sofa, and Alexander nailed the original drapes. Even Blythe, after a moment of embarrassment, joined the effort.
By nightfall the flat resembled its former self, though a few items remained slightly misplaced. The Greene family settled in the living room, the children on a pullout couch, while Maggie reclaimed her bedroom, finally swapping the hotel mattress for her own familiar bed.
The next morning Maggie woke to the smell of freshly brewed coffee. In the kitchen Blythe was at the stove.
Good morning, she said uncertainly. I thought maybe we could have breakfast together? I made pancakes the way you like them.
Maggie hesitated, then nodded. They had been friends for years, and Blythes remorse felt sincere.
Over breakfast the atmosphere relaxed. Polly chattered about school, Dennis cracked a joke, and Alexander discussed the latest news, as if nothing extraordinary had happened.
By the way, Alexander said suddenly, my cousin has a spare flat in a nearby town. Hes not renting it out right now, but we could stay there while the renovation finishes. No rent, just a family favour.
Really? Blythes eyes widened. Why didnt you mention it earlier?
I didnt want to ask for a favour. You know how I get on with Vicky, my brotherinlaw. But were stuck, so I thought wed try.
Maggie felt a wave of relief. The Greenes would indeed find new lodging, and the dispute could end sooner than shed imagined.
Thats wonderful, she said genuinely. Im glad things are working out for you.
Later that day, as Maggie walked home from work, Blythe met her in the hallway.
Were moving out, she said without preamble. Vicky gave the goahead, we can be there today. Ive already packed.
Maggie didnt know whether to feel joy at the return of peace or sorrow at the fracture of a fifteenyear friendship.
Im sorry everything turned out like this, Blythe, she whispered.
Im sorry too, Blythe lowered her head. I was wrong. I understand if you never want to speak to me again, but I want you to know I value our friendship. If you can ever forgive me
Maggie looked at her old friend and realised that no matter how deep the wound, a decadeandahalf of shared history could not simply be erased. People err, sometimes gravely, but holding onto anger forever served no one.
I dont know, Blythe, she answered honestly. I need time. Youve shaken my trust. Maybe, someday, we can start anew.
An hour later the Greene family left the flat. As they said goodbye, Polly gave Maggie a tight hug and whispered, Sorry, Aunt Maggie. Youre the kindest. Dennis shook her hand awkwardly, and Alexander helped with the last bags to the cab.
Blythe lingered at the doorway.
I left you a little gift, she said, pointing to the kitchen table. Its an apology and thanks for not throwing us out on day one.
Maggie turned back inside. The silence was oddly resonant after days filled with voices.
On the kitchen counter lay a small, neatly tied box. Inside sat a delicate porcelain pair of women holding each others hands. A note accompanied it: True friendship endures trials. I hope ours does too. With love, Blythe.
Maggie stared at the figurines, recalling the good times theyd shared. Could she ever forgive? She didnt know. Deep down she sensed that, in time, the friendship might get a second chance, because genuine friends, even after mistakes, linger forever in the heart.
