A flat for two? Not my problem!
Ill put the lease in Mollys name and move in with you. Youre living alone anyway, Nina said, not bothering to ask.
Whats that mans voice coming from you? Her tone was as harsh as if Poppy were thirteen, not thirtytwo.
Television, Mum. What do you want? Poppy tried to end the conversation fast.
We need to talk. Seriously, her mother insisted before hanging up. Typical Mum always noticing, never asking.
Arthur! Poppy shouted, flinging her phone onto the sofa.
Whats the trouble? He came from the kitchen, two mugs of tea in hand.
My mothers coming this evening.
Should I stay?
No need. Ill sort it out myself.
**Ghosts of the Past**
Memories are like photo albums some pictures fade, the important ones stay crisp. Poppy was eleven when her parents split. Her sister Molly still played with dolls, while Poppy had already learned to read between adult lines.
I cant go on, Margaret, her father said. Its not a marriage any more, just a shadow of one.
And the children? Her mothers voice rang like clinking glass.
After the divorce, Dad packed quietly. His favourite armchair, the battered mug, even his books everything disappeared bit by bit.
Poppy became the bridge between two worlds: Mums strictness and Dads calm. Molly simply decided that Dad was a traitor and Mum a martyr.
**Adult Life**
Poppy moved to the capital, London, for university. She studied hard, worked harder determined to own a flat of her own one day. Molly tried a few courses, became a nail technician and married almost straight away.
Dad passed away, leaving only fond memories and a hollow space.
Mum only resurfaced to demand money or complain:
Mollys pregnant, help her. Gareth earns barely enough, and the salon doesnt even give her a proper contract.
Poppy sighed, exhausted.
She knew what she was getting into. It was her choice.
**Her Own Nest**
A few years later Poppy bought her dream flat. All by herself. With sweat and a few tears.
Lovely flat, Mum said, looking around. Something like this would do Molly well. Instead of a student hall with a baby And youre sitting here all alone in this palace. Its not fair.
Because Molly always thought she was owed something. I worked for this.
Then, years later, came an unexpected visit:
Ive decided the flat goes to Molly. And Ill move in with you, Mum announced with a smile, inspecting every corner.
No, Poppy replied curtly. Its my flat.
What do you mean no? Ive already decided!
Then live with Molly. This isnt a hotel.
Youre as cold as your father!
Thanks. He loved me. He never set conditions.
The door slammed. Silence settled, together with a wave of relief.
A message blinked on her phone:
How did it go?
Poppy smiled:
Come over. Ill teach you how to make tiramisu.
