Twobed flat? Not without me!
Ill put the lease in Roses name and move in with you. Youre living alone anyway, declared Molly, never asking a question.
Whose deepvoiced man is that behind you? Her tone was sharp, as if Avery were a thirteenyearold, not a thirtytwoyearold.
Television, Mum. What do you want? Avery tried to end the conversation quickly.
We need to talk. Seriously, her mother insisted, then hung up. Typical of herpointing out facts, never asking.
Avery! shouted Rose, flinging her phone onto the sofa.
Whats happened? Arthur emerged from the kitchen, two mugs of tea in his hands.
My mothers coming tonight.
Should I stay?
No, Ill sort it myself
**Ghosts of the Past**
Memories drift like old photographs in a dusty albumsome fade, but the core stays clear. Avery was eleven when her parents split. Rose was still playing with dolls while Avery had already learned to read the adults hidden meanings between the 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 breaking glass.
After the divorce, Dad quietly packed his things: his favourite armchair, the chipped mug, even the booksvanishing piece by piece.
Avery became the bridge between two worlds: her mothers stern realm and her fathers quiet one. Rose simply declared Dad a traitor and Mum a martyr.
**Adult Life**
Avery left for university in London, studying hard and working harder, determined to own a flat of her own someday. Rose took a few courses, became a nail technician, and married almost at once.
Dad died, leaving only sweet memories and a hollow space.
Mum only reached out to demand money or to complain:
Rose is pregnant, help her. Tom earns little, and the salon wont even give her proper employment
Avery sighed, exhausted.
She knew what she was signing up for. That was her choice.
**Her Own Nest**
Years later Avery bought her dream flatalone, with sweat and tears.
Lovely flat, her mother said, looking around. Something Rose could use, instead of a dorm with a baby And you sit here all by yourself in this palace. Thats not fair.
Because Rose always thought she was owed something. Ive worked for this.
Then, years later, an unexpected visit:
Ive decidedRose gets the flat. Ill move in with you, her mother said with a smile, scrutinising every corner.
No, Avery replied curtly. This is my flat.
What does no mean here? Ive already decided!
Then live with Rose. This isnt a hotel.
Youre as cold as your father!
Thanks. He loved me and never set conditions.
The door slammed; silence settled, accompanied by a strange relief.
A message blinked on her phone:
How did it go?
Avery smiled:
Come over. Ill teach you how to make tiramisu.
