Uninvited GuestsAs the clock struck midnight, the strangers slipped silently through the cracked window, their eyes glinting with a secret purpose.

The phone roused Emily at five in the morning. An unknown number was calling.

Yes she answered curtly.

Emily? a bright, cheerful female voice shouted. Is that you?

It is Emily replied nonchalantly.

And thats me the woman said joyfully. Do you recognise me?

I recognise you Emily answered politely, not wanting to offend, though she had no idea who was on the other end.

I was certain youd recognise me straight away the woman continued, delighted. How lucky I am to have caught you. Can you speak now?

I can.

Splendid. My husband, the children and I are at the station. We got off an hour ago. Can you hear me alright?

Yes.

Your voice is a little soft. Are you sure everythings all right, Emily?

Everythings fine.

Im so pleased for you. At first we thought wed stay in a hotel. We believed we had no relatives in this town. Then we remembered that you live here. Do you understand?

I understand.

Its a comfort that we thought of you. You cant imagine how happy we were, especially the children.

I can imagine.

My husband immediately said, Give Emily a ring. She wont let you down.

He was right. I wont let you down.

So, will you let us stay with you? Have I got that right?

Thats right. Ill allow it.

Well only be for a short while the woman went on happily. Just a couple of weeks. Well look around the town and then head home. As they say, theres no place like home, but a visit is nice. Do you agree?

I agree.

We thought the same, especially my husband. He said straight away that he couldnt imagine Emily refusing us. After all, were family. Even if were distant, even if we last met ten years ago, were still kin. Right?

Exactly.

Are you living alone now?

Alone.

In a threeroom flat?

Yes.

So were on our way to you?

Come along.

Well be there in an hour. Are you still there?

Still here.

Then wait for us. Well be there soon.

Ill wait, Emily answered.

Emily switched off the phone, set it on the side table, turned over, pulled the blanket over her head and fell asleep, scarcely worrying about who shed just spoken to.

An hour later a knock came at the door. Emily glanced at the clock, closed her eyes and turned over. The phone rang again. Emily was still asleep.

After a while the knocking grew louder. Emily remained indifferent. At last the phone rang once more.

Yes Emily said, without opening her eyes.

Emily? the same woman shouted cheerfully.

Yes.

Its us. Weve arrived. Weve been ringing and knocking, but you wont open the door.

Youre calling?

Yes.

Why cant I hear you?

I dont know.

Call again, please.

The doorbell rang inside the flat.

Were calling, the woman said.

No, Emily replied, I cant hear you. Knock now.

There was a knock at the door.

Were knocking, the woman announced.

No, Emily answered, I cant hear.

Looks like Im late, the woman said.

What? Emily asked.

Where are you now, Emily?

What do you mean where? At home.

Where at home?

In York, Emily blurted the first thing that came to mind. Where else could I be?

York? Not London?

I moved nine years ago, right after I split up.

Why?

Why split up?

Why move?

I got fed up with London, so I left. Too many unpleasant memories.

Is York better?

Of course. Much better.

Better how?

Everythings better. Whatever I do. No nasty recollections. But what am I saying? Come and see for yourself. How many are you?

Four of us: me, my husband and two children. The older is Peter, the younger Andy. Andy is trying to get into university for the third time this year.

Then all four of you should come. We have a fine university here too.

When should we arrive?

Even now, if you like.

That wont work. I have a lot of business in London. Andy wants to study in London. We came here looking for work. We planned to stay with you for a year, but look how it turned out.

So you wont be coming today?

No.

Thats a pity. I was already preparing.

And were sorry. You cant imagine.

I can imagine.

No, you cant. When I think of what lies ahead for us, I simply dont feel like living.

Emily decided it was time to end the conversation.

Very well, she said, if you cant come now, come when youre able. Im always glad to see you. And when you settle in London, send me your address straight away. Ill visit you for a couple of weeks. Then well see. After all, I have nobody in London now except you. Were agreed? Youll send me your address?

But Emily heard no answer; the line cut off abruptly.