Emma stood in the doorway, arms folded, her voice sharp with fury. I told youleave my house at once! she snapped.
Grace looked at her sister, bewildered. Whats happened to you? You invited me here, you asked me to stay while.
Ive changed my mind! Emma interrupted. Enough! Pack your things and get out!
Grace turned slowly to the bag lying by the sofa. She had arrived only three hours earlier and hadnt even had time to unpack properly.
Emma, at least tell me why, Grace tried to stay calm, though her voice trembled.
Nothing happened. I just dont want you here. I thought I could handle your presence, but I cant. Pack your things. Ill call a cab for you, fine.
Grace padded over to the sofa, grabbed her bag, and felt a lump in her throat. The sisters hadnt seen each other in almost two years, not since their mothers funeral. A sudden call from Emma, warm words and an invitation to stay and now she was being thrown out without any explanation.
Ill be quick, Grace whispered, holding back tears.
Emma fidgeted, tapping her fingers against the doorframe as she watched Grace collect the few items she could pull from her bag. Her face remained unreadable, only the tense lines on her cheeks gave her away.
Grace paused at the threshold, looking at Emma. They were alikesame hazel eyes, high cheekbones, stubborn chin. But now Emma seemed a stranger.
Goodbye, Grace said, stepping out.
Goodbye, echoed Emma, slamming the door.
Grace descended the stairs, replaying fragments of their last phone call from a week earlier.
Grace, come over, Emmas voice had been unusually soft. Stay with me while the work in your flat finishes. Weve been putting off fixing things between us, havent we?
Are you sure? Grace had asked cautiously. After everything thats happened
Come on, were sisters. Yes, weve had our differences, but its time to move on. Come Saturday, Ill meet you.
Now, standing outside with her bag, Grace tried to piece together what had changed in those three hours. Emma had welcomed her, laid out a dinner, asked about her life then abruptly excused herself to answer a phone, returning with a different demeanor.
Her phone buzzed: The cab will be here in seven minutes. Wait at the entrance. The air was cool, a light drizzle beginning. She set her bag down, pulled out her phone, and thought hard about where to go.
The only option was Jamesa former classmate theyd been chatting with lately. He lived alone in a twobedroom flat and would likely let her stay a few days while she figured things out.
Hello, James? Grace said when he answered. Im in a bit of a bind
James listened without interrupting, then gave her his address.
Dont worry, Ill be there, he said, his calm tone easing her nerves.
In the cab, Grace finally let the tears flow. Anger burned inside her. What had she done to deserve this? Had the old wounds over their mothers estate run that deep?
She recalled the argument after their mothers death. Emma wanted to sell the family house and split the money, while Grace insisted on keeping it because of the memories. Grace eventually bought Emmas share, taking on loans to keep the home. Perhaps Emma still resented her for that.
The cab pulled up outside Jamess building. Grace paid and stepped out. James was waiting at the hall, a reassuring smile on his face.
Dont look so glum, he said, taking her bag. Well sort this out.
Inside, the flat was warm and cosy. James brewed tea, fetched biscuits, and listened as Grace recounted everything.
Something feels off, James said thoughtfully after she finished. Emma didnt just call you for a night. Something must have happened while you were there.
It was nothing, Grace shrugged. We had tea, chatted about her job, her recent trip to the seaside. Then she got a call, went to another room, and came back angry.
Did she say who she was talking to? James asked.
Grace shook her head. She was whispering, but when she returned she started asking how long I planned to stay, even though wed agreed on a couple of weeks while the work at my flat finished.
Whos doing the work? James pressed.
The crew Emma recommended, Grace said with a bitter smile. She said they were friends of her exhusband and were cheap and good.
James frowned. Did you ever check on the progress?
No, I trusted them. I have a set of keys but havent been in there for a week.
Lets go see, James suggested. I have a bad feeling.
Now? Its late
Exactly why we should go. If everythings fine, we can go back. If not, at least well know.
Half an hour later they were standing in front of Graces flat. As they climbed the stairs, a muffled voice and the scrape of furniture drifted from behind the door.
Theres someone in there, Grace whispered, frozen.
James took the keys and opened the door. Boxes and bags cluttered the hallway. In the living room, amid the chaos, Emma stood with two burly movers, gesturing at a large wardrobe.
Whats happening? Grace demanded, eyes wide.
Emma flinched, surprise flashing to irritation. Grace? What are you doing here?
This is my question! Whats going on in my flat?
Emma adjusted her hair, trying to keep composure. I can explain
I hope so, Grace replied, crossing her arms just as Emma had done earlier.
Emma glanced at the movers, who hesitated. Guys, take a break, she said, and they stepped out.
Im waiting, Grace reminded.
Emma sighed heavily and sank onto the sofa. Im divorcing Simon. He kicked me out of our house and I have nowhere to stay. I thought I could crash here until I found something.
So you lured me out with the excuse of renovation, then moved in yourself? Grace sputtered.
Its not quite that, Emma replied, eyes dropping. I really did want to reconcile. I thought staying together would help us mend, but then I realized I couldnt. Too much has piled up between us, Grace.
So you tried to take my flat? Graces voice shook with anger. To evict me from my own home?
I would have explained later, Emma snapped. I just had nowhere else to go. The movers could have let you stay elsewhere
Theres no renovation here! Grace shouted. What movers?
It was a lie, Emma admitted, a grimace forming. I invented the story to get you to come. I hoped youd give up the flat temporarily, but youre too stubborn.
You think Im stubborn? Grace retorted. Youre manipulating your own sister! Youre trying to steal my home!
Whats wrong with you, Emma? Grace hissed. Youve always been Mums favourite, everything came easy for you. If wed sold the house back then, I could have bought my own place and not been stuck with Simon all these years!
So this is about the money? Grace said quietly. You never forgave me for keeping Mums house. I paid you your share, just not instantly.
Its not about the cash! Emma cried. Its that you never cared about my feelings. You only think of yourself!
Thats not true, Grace shook her head. Ive always looked out for you. Im still trying to help you now.
Emma stared at her, then looked at James, who had been quiet the whole time. You have a choice. Either you pack your things and leave my flat right now, or I call the police and press charges for illegal entry.
James stepped forward. Maybe theres a compromise? You are sisters, after all.
No, Grace said firmly. No compromise. Ive had enough of your games. Emma, decideleave or I involve the police.
Emmas face hardened, but the resolve in Graces eyes made her surrender.
Fine. Ill go, Emma said, gathering her belongings. Dont think this is over.
An hour later Emma slammed the door shut. Grace sank onto the sofa, exhausted and hollow.
Do you want me to stay? James asked softly, sitting beside her.
If you dont mind, Grace replied. I could use some company.
Of course, he said, taking her hand. I think Emmas troubles stem from a tough perioddivorce, no home. It doesnt excuse her behaviour, but it explains it.
Maybe, Grace sighed. Weve been at each others throats for years. She always thinks I get everything easier, but thats not true.
She fell silent, gathering her thoughts. When Mum died, it was devastating. We were close, yet after the funeral we drifted apart. She pushed to sell the house, as if money mattered more than memories. That home is the last thread I have to Mum.
James squeezed her hand. Grief shows up differently for everyone. For Emma, maybe selling the house was a way to avoid painful memories.
Perhaps, Grace nodded. But luring me out, lying thats too much. Im not sure I can forgive her yet.
Give yourself time, James advised. And her too. When the anger settles, you might be able to talk calmly.
Maybe, Grace admitted. First I need to sort my own feelings.
They sat in quiet, the twilight deepening outside. The flat, still echoing with Emmas presence, grew still. Grace reflected on how strange life had becomeher sister, once a confidante, now almost an enemy. A former classmate had proved more reliable than blood.
Thank you, Grace finally said. I dont know what Id have done without you today.
Anytime, James smiled. I was thinking maybe we could go out this weekend? A film or a walk in the park?
Graces face brightened. Id like that.
A week later Graces phone rang. It was Emma. Her thumb hovered over the end call button, but she answered.
Hello? Emmas voice sounded unsure. Grace, we need to talk.
What about? Grace asked coolly.
I I want to apologise. What I did was wrong. Im really sorry.
Grace stayed silent, unsure what to say.
Im in a tough spot, Emma continued, but that doesnt excuse my actions. I shouldnt have treated you that way.
You shouldnt have, Grace agreed.
I know youre angry, and you have every right to be, Emmas voice trembled. I hope someday you can forgive me. Were still sisters, after all.
Grace inhaled deeply. I dont know, Emma. I need time.
Of course, Emma replied quickly. I understand. Just know I truly regret it.
After hanging up, Grace stared out the window, pondering. Emma, flawed as she was, remained her only close relative after Mums death. Perhaps, with time, she could find it in herself to forgive. But now she needed to heal her own wounds and learn to trust again.
Her phone buzzed with a message from James: How about a walk in the park tomorrow? Looks like sunny weather.
Grace smiled and typed back: Looking forward to it.
Life went on despite everything. Perhaps one day Grace and Emma would rebuild their bond, but for now the important lesson was clear: cherish those who genuinely stand by you in hard times, and let go of toxic ties, even when they share your blood.
