An apartment for two? Not a chance!
Ill put the flat in Mollys name and move in with you. Youre living alone anyway, said Nora, not asking a word.
Whose deepvoiced man is that in your ear? Her tone was sharp, as if Poppy were thirteen, not thirtytwo.
Television, Mum. What do you want? Poppy tried to end the conversation quickly.
We need to talk. Seriously, her mother insisted, then hung up. Typical heralways pointing out things, never asking.
Arthur! Poppy shouted, flinging the phone onto the sofa.
Whats happened? He came from the kitchen, two mugs of tea in his hands.
My mothers coming tonight.
Should I stay?
No need. Ill sort it out myself
**Ghosts of the Past**
Memories are like pictures in an albumsome fade, but the core stays. Poppy was eleven when her parents split. Her sister Molly still played with dolls, while Poppy had already learned to read between adults lines.
I cant go on, Margaret, her father said. This isnt a marriage any more, just a shadow of one.
And the kids? Her mothers voice rang like breaking glass.
After the divorce, Dad quietly packed his things. His favourite armchair, the chipped mug, even his bookseverything disappeared piece by piece.
Poppy became the bridge between two worlds: Mothers iron will and Fathers calm. Molly simply decided Dad was a traitor and Mum a martyr.
**Adult Life**
Poppy moved to London for university. She studied hard, worked harderdetermined to have a place of her own one day. Molly took a few courses, became a nail technician, and married almost straight away.
Dad died, leaving only sweet memories and a hollow space.
Mum only called to ask for money or to complain:
Mollys pregnant, help her out. Tom earns barely enough, and the salon doesnt even give her proper employment
Poppy sighed, exhausted.
She knew what she was signing up for. It was her choice.
**Their Own Nest**
A few years later Poppy bought her dream flat. All on her own. With sweat and tears.
Lovely flat, Mum said, looking around. Something like this would do Molly well. Instead of a cramped dorm with the baby And youre sitting here alone in this palace. Thats not fair.
Because Molly always thought she was owed something. Ive worked for this.
Then, years later, came an unexpected visit:
Ive decidedMolly gets the flat. Ill move in with you, Mum said, smiling and inspecting every corner.
No, Poppy replied bluntly. Thats 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 and never set conditions.
The door slammed. Silence and relief filled the hallway.
On the phone a message blinked:
How did it go?
Poppy smiled:
Come over. Ill show you how to make tiramisu.
