Twobed flat for two? No way!
Ill put the lease in Poppys name and move in with you. Youre living alone anyway, says Milly, not even asking a question.
Whose deep voice is that in the next room? Her tone sounds harsh, as if Poppy were thirteen, not thirtytwo.
Just the telly, Mum. What do you want? Poppy tries to end the call quickly.
We need to talk. Seriously, her mother insists, then hangs up. Typical of her she points out problems but never asks for solutions.
Arthur! Poppy shouts, flinging the phone onto the sofa.
Whats happened? He comes from the kitchen, two mugs of tea in his hands.
My mothers coming tonight.
Should I stay?
No, Ill handle it myself.
**Ghosts of the Past**
Memories are like photographs in an album some fade, but the core remains. Poppy was eleven when her parents split. Her sister PoppyGrace was still playing with dolls, while Poppy had already learned to read between adults lines.
I cant go on, Margaret, her father says. Its not a marriage any more, just a shadow of one.
And the children? Her mothers voice clinks like glass.
After the divorce, Dad quietly packs his things: his favourite armchair, the chipped mug, even the books everything disappears bit by bit.
Poppy becomes the bridge between two worlds: her mothers strictness and her fathers calm. PoppyGrace simply decides that Dad is a traitor and Mum a martyr.
**Adult Life**
Poppy moves to London for university. She studies hard, works harder determined to have a flat of her own one day. PoppyGrace takes a few courses, becomes a nail technician and marries almost straight away.
Dad passes away, leaving only fond memories and a hollow space.
Mum only contacts her to demand money or complain:
PoppyGrace is expecting, help her. Graham earns little, and the salon never gave her a proper contract
Poppy sighs, exhausted.
She knew what she was getting into. It was her choice.
**Her Own Nest**
Years later, Poppy finally buys her dream flat. All on her own, with sweat and tears.
Lovely flat, Mum comments, looking around. Something like this could do PoppyGrace good. Instead of a dorm with a baby And youre sitting here alone in this palace. Thats not fair.
Because PoppyGrace always thought she was entitled to something. Ive earned this.
Then, years later, a surprise visit:
Ive decided the flat goes to PoppyGrace. Ill move in with you, Mum says with a smile, inspecting every corner.
No, Poppy replies sharply. This is my flat.
What do you mean no? Ive already decided!
Then live with PoppyGrace. This isnt a hotel.
Youre as cold as your father!
Thanks. He loved me. He never set conditions.
The door slams. Silence hangs, followed by relief.
On her phone a message blinks:
How did it go?
Poppy smiles and types back:
Come over. Ill show you how to make tiramisu.
