“We’ll Be Staying With You For a While, Since We Can’t Afford to Rent Our Own Place!” – My Friend Announced Unexpectedly. At 65, I’m Still an Active Woman With a Love for Travel and Meeting New People, but an Old Friendship Took a Shocking Turn When Unexpected Guests Arrived at My Doorstep in the Middle of the Night, Refused to Leave, and Left With My Belongings!

Were going to stay at yours for a while, because we cant afford to rent our own flat! my friend told me.

Im a very lively woman. Even though Im 65, I still find myself exploring new places and meeting some truly fascinating people. I look back on my youth with a bittersweet fondness. Back then, you could spend your holidays wherever you fancied! You could go to the seaside, head off camping with friends and mates, or take a boat trip down any river you liked. And you could do it all without spending a fortune.

But those days are behind us now.

Ive always enjoyed meeting new people. I’d make friends on the beach, at the theatresome of those acquaintances turned into friendships that lasted for years.

One summer, I met a woman named Margaret. We were both staying in the same B&B on holiday. We parted ways as friends and, over the years, exchanged the odd letter or Christmas card. Then, one day, I received a telegram. It wasnt signedjust a simple message: The train arrives at three in the morning. Wait for me at the station!

I had no idea who could have sent such a message. Needless to say, my husband and I stayed at home that night. But at four in the morning, someone knocked on our door. I opened it and stood frozen in shock. There was Margaret, two teenage girls, an elderly lady, and a man. They had a giant pile of luggage with them. My husband and I were dumbfounded, but soon enough we let them all in. Then Margaret asked me:

Why didnt you come to meet us? I sent you a telegram! Taking a taxi cost a fortune!

Im sorry, I didnt know who had sent it!

Well, I had your address, so here we are.

I assumed wed just write to each other now and then, thats all!

Margaret then explained that one of the girls had just finished school and wanted to begin university this year. The whole family had come along to support her.

Well be staying with you! We cant afford to rent anywhere, and your flat is so close to the city centre!

I was taken aback. After all, we werent even related. Why should we let them move in? Suddenly, we were feeding everyone three times a day. They brought a little bit of food, but never cooked anything themselves, so I ended up looking after all of them.

After three days, I simply couldnt bear it any longer. I asked Margaret and her family to find somewhere else to stay. I didnt mind where; I just wanted my home back. It turned into a massive row. Margaret started smashing dishes and shrieking hysterically.

I was utterly shocked by her behaviour. Eventually, they left. But not before managing to steal my dressing gown, a few towels, and, somehow, my big pot full of cabbage stew. I still have no idea how they managed to sneak that outthe pot just vanished!

Thats how our friendship endedand thank goodness for that! I never heard from Margaret again, nor did I see her. Now, when I meet new people, Im much more cautious than I ever used to be.