11October2025
Dear Diary,
Harriet called me over, and then, as if shed changed her mind midsentence, she threw me out.
I told you to get out of my houseright now! Harriet stood in the hallway, arms crossed, her voice sharp with fury.
Whats happened to you? I asked, bewildered. You invited me, you asked me to stay while my flat is being refurbished
Ive changed my mind! Harriet snapped. Enough! Pack your things and go!
I glanced at the small suitcase lying by the couch. Id arrived only three hours ago, barely having set my coat down.
Harriet, could you at least tell me whats going on? I tried to keep my tone steady, though my throat felt tight.
Nothing. I just dont need you here. I thought I could handle your presence, but I cant. Pack up. Ill order a taxi for you, fine.
I shuffled to the sofa, pulling the suitcase out with hands that trembled. We hadnt seen each other in almost two years, not since Mums funeral. Then, out of the blue, Harriets warm voice had coaxed me to comean invitation, a promise of a roof until my renovation finished. And now she was shoving me out without any explanation.
Ill be quick, I whispered, fighting back tears.
Harriet paced the doorframe, tapping a nervous rhythm on the jamb, watching me pull out the few belongings Id managed to rummage from the bag. A faint line of strain showed on her cheek.
I stopped at the doorway, looking at her. We share the same hazel eyes, the same high cheekbones and stubborn chin. Yet in this moment Harriet seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, I said, stepping over the threshold.
Goodbye, Harriet echoed, slamming the door behind me.
The stairwell felt endless as fragments of our last phone call from a week ago swirled in my head.
Emily, come stay with me, Harriets voice had been unusually soft on the line. Stay while the work at your flat wraps up. Its high time we patched things up, dont you think?
Are you sure? I had asked cautiously. After everything thats happened
Come on! Were sisters. Yes, weve had our spats, but its time to move past them. Arrive Saturday; Ill meet you.
Now, standing on the street with my suitcase, I tried to piece together what could have shifted in those three hours to turn Harriets hospitality into hostility. She had greeted me warmly, set a table, asked about my life then slipped into another room, claiming she needed to take a call. When she came back, she was a different person.
My phone buzzed. A text from Harriet: The taxi will be there in seven minutes. Wait at the curb.
I exhaled and trudged back to the building entrance. A light drizzle began, making the air crisp. I set the suitcase down, pulled out my phone, and frantically thought where to go next.
The only sensible option was Jamesan old schoolmate wed been chatting with a lot lately. He lives alone in a twobedroom flat in Camden and would surely let me crash for a few days while I sort something out.
Hello, James? I said as soon as he answered. Im in a bit of a bind
James listened without interrupting, then gave me his address in a calm tone.
Dont worry, Ill be there. See you soon.
The taxi finally pulled up. As I paid the driver in pounds, the tears finally fell. What had I done to deserve this? Did the old grievances over Mums estate run that deep? After her death wed argued about the family house. Harriet wanted to sell it and split the money; I insisted we keep the home because every wall held a memory of Mum. I bought out her share, went into debt, and held onto the place. Perhaps she still harboured resentment.
James was waiting at the curb, a reassuring grin on his face.
Dont look so glum, he said, taking my suitcase. Well sort this out.
His flat was warm and cosy. He brewed tea, fetched biscuits, and listened as I poured out the whole episode.
Something feels off, he mused after I finished. Harriet didnt just call you over for nothing. Something must have happened while you were there.
I shrugged. We had tea, chatted about her job, her recent trip to the coast. Then she got a call, went into another room, and when she came back she was sharp.
Did she say what the call was about? James asked.
I thought. She spoke quietly, then when she returned she started asking how long I intended to stay, even though wed already discussed a twoweek stay while my flat is being refurbished.
Whos doing the refurb? James probed.
A crew Harriet recommendeda team of exhusbands acquaintances, cheap and efficient, I replied with a bitter smile. I havent checked on them; I have the keys but havent been in there for a week.
Jamess brow furrowed.
Lets go see for ourselves. Ive got a bad feeling.
Now? Its getting late
Exactly why we should. If everythings fine we can go back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later we were pulling up to my flat in Kilburn. My nerves were on edge the whole drive, wondering what could be wrong.
Climbing the stairs, I heard muffled voices and the scrape of moving furniture behind the front door.
Someones in there, I whispered, freezing.
James took my keys, swung the door open. The hallway was a chaos of boxes and bags. In the living room, amid the mess, Harriet stood explaining something to two burly movers hauling a wardrobe.
Whats happening? I demanded, eyes scanning the scene.
Harriet flinched, surprise turning quickly to annoyance.
Emily? What are you doing here?
My question! What are you doing in my flat?
Harriet fidgeted, pulling a stray lock of hair.
I can explain.
I hope so, I crossed my arms, mirroring the stance shed taken at my door hours earlier.
She glanced at the movers, who hesitated.
Boys, pause for a moment, Harriet said, and they stepped out, grateful for the break.
Im waiting, I reminded her.
Harriet let out a heavy sigh and sank onto the sofa.
Im divorcing Ian. He kicked me out of our place and Ive got 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 could hardly believe my ears.
Not exactly, Harriet replied, eyes downcast. I really wanted to make peace. I thought living together would help us mend things but then I realised I couldnt. Too much has piled up between us, Emily.
And thats why you tried to steal my home? I felt my hands tremble with anger. To throw me out of my own house?
I would have explained everything later! Harriet raised her voice. I just have nowhere to go. Your friends, the movers, could have let you stay
Which movers? Theres no renovation! I snapped.
Right, Harriet admitted, a grimace forming. I invented the whole thing to get you to come over, hoping youd let me stay in your flat temporarily. But youre too stubborn.
Stubborn? Youre the one manipulating your own sister! I shot back, fury rising. What happened to you, Harriet?
Harriet leapt from the sofa, her face twisted.
Whats wrong with you? Youve always been Mums favourite, everything came easy for you! And now you have the flat If wed sold it back then I could have bought my own place and not be stuck with Ian all these years!
So this is about the house, I said quietly. You never forgave me for trying to keep Mums home.
Its not about the money! Harriet cried. Its that youve always ignored my feelings, only cared about yourself!
That isnt true, I shook my head. Ive always looked out for you, even now.
What do you propose? Harriet asked, wary.
You either pack up and leave my flat right now, or Ill call the police and file a report for trespass.
James, who had been silent until then, stepped forward.
Emily, perhaps theres a compromise? You are sisters after all
No, I answered firmly. No compromises. Im exhausted by your games. Harriet, decide: leave now or I involve the authorities.
Harriet stared at me, hatred in her gaze, but the resolve in my eyes made her finally relent.
Fine. Ill go. Dont think this is over, she muttered, gathering her things.
An hour later she slammed the door shut. I sank onto the sofa, feeling drained.
Do you want me to stay? James asked softly, sitting beside me.
If you dont mind, I replied. I could use someone right now.
Of course, he said, taking my hand. I think Harriet is just going through a rough patchdivorce, no home. It doesnt excuse her behaviour, but it helps explain it.
Maybe, I sighed. Im tired of these endless fights. She always thinks Ive had it easy, that Im owed something. Its not.
Silence settled as I reflected on Mums death. We were close, yet after the funeral we drifted apart, each of us clinging to different ideas about the family house. For me it was the last thread linking me to Mum.
I understand, James squeezed my hand. Grief shows up in many ways. For Harriet it might be a way to run from painful memories.
Perhaps, I murmured. But deceiving me, pushing me out of my home Thats too much. Im not sure I can ever fully forgive her.
Give yourself time, he advised. And her too. When the anger cools, maybe youll both be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, I whispered. But first I need to sort my own feelings.
We sat quietly, watching the evening grow darker. The flat, still echoing with Harriets brief presence, felt unusually still. It struck me how strange life had become: a sister who once felt like my closest confidante now seemed almost an adversary, while a schoolmate turned out to be the steady hand I needed.
Thank you, I finally said. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, James smiled. Actually, I was thinkingmaybe we could go to the cinema this weekend, or just take a walk in the park?
I laughed softly, surprised by the sudden lightness.
Id love that.
A week later my phone rang. Harriets name flashed on the screen. My finger hovered over the decline button, but something made me answer.
Hello? Harriets voice sounded tentative. Emily, we need to talk.
About what? I asked, keeping my tone cool.
I I wanted to apologise. What I did was wrong, Im truly sorry.
I was silent, unsure how to respond.
Im in a difficult spot right now, she continued, but that doesnt excuse my actions. I shouldnt have behaved that way.
You shouldnt have, I agreed.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, her voice cracked. I just hope one day you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
I took a deep breath.
I dont know, Harriet. I need time.
Of course, she said quickly. Take all the time you need. Just know I really am sorry.
After hanging up, I stared out the window, thinking about everything. Harriet, with all her flaws, was still my only remaining family after Mum. Perhaps, in time, I could find it in me to let go of the hurt. But not today. Right now I have to mend my own wounds and learn to trust again.
My phone buzzed again: a message from James, How about a walk in HydePark tomorrow? Supposed to be lovely weather.
I typed back, Sounds perfect.
Life goes on, no matter the drama. Maybe someday Harriet and I will rebuild our relationship. For now, the priority is to cherish the people who truly stand by me in hard moments, and to stop clinging to toxic ties just because theyre blood.
One day the sisters will talk again. Until then Ill keep living, learning to trust, and trying to be happy again.
