“We’ll Be Staying at Yours for a While Because We Can’t Afford Our Own Flat!” — My Friend Told Me. At 65, I Live an Active Life, Exploring New Places and Meeting Fascinating People, but an Unexpected Visit From an Old Friend and Her Entire Family Turned Into a Nightmare That Ended Our Friendship Forever

“We’ll be staying at yours for a bit, as we can’t afford a place of our own!” my friend told me.

I have always been a lively woman. Even at 65, I managed to visit countless places and meet the most fascinating people. With a mixture of joy and nostalgia, I remember my youth. Back then, one could spend holidays wherever one pleased! We would go to the seaside. Wed set off camping with friends and mates, or perhaps take a boat trip down any river that caught our fancy. And all of these adventures could be had for merely a handful of pounds.

But those days have long since slipped away into memory.

I have always delighted in meeting new people. Id strike up conversations with strangers on the beach or at the theatre. Many of those acquaintances turned into lifelong friends.

One summer, quite a few years ago now, I met a woman named Margaret. We happened to be lodging at the same boarding house during the holidays and became fast friends. The years passed; sometimes we exchanged letters, or sent Christmas cards. Then, one day, a telegram arrived. It was unsigned. It simply read: “Train arrives at three in the morning. Wait for me at the station!”

I was baffled. Who could have sent such a note? My husband and I decided it would be best not to venture out. Yet, at four in the morning, there was a knock at our door. I opened it and could not believe my eyes. There stood Margaret, with two teenage daughters, an elderly woman, and a mansurrounded by a mountain of luggage. My husband and I were quite taken aback. Still, we let them in.

Margaret turned to me and asked, “Why didnt you come for us? I sent you a telegram! Taxis cost a fortune these days!”

I replied, “I’m sorry, Margaret, but I didn’t know who sent it!”

“Well, I had your address. Here we are.”

“I thought we would stick to exchanging letters, that’s all,” I tried to say.

Margaret went on, explaining that one of the girls had finished school that summer and intended to begin university in London. The whole family had come along to support her.

“We’ll stay with you for a while! We cant afford to rent, and you live so close to the city centre!”

I was stunned. We weren’t even familywhy should we have to take them in? We ended up feeding them three meals a day. They brought along some groceries, but never did any cooking themselves. I had to see to all their needs.

I could not bear the situation for long. After three days, I asked Margaret and her relatives to find somewhere else. I didnt care where they went. A dreadful row broke out. Margaret started smashing crockery and shrieking hysterically.

I was utterly shocked by her behaviour. Eventually, they stormed out, but not before making off with my dressing gown, a few towels, andsomehowa large pot of cabbage stew Id made. To this day I have no idea how they managed it, but that pot was never seen again.

And thus ended our friendship. Thank heavens for that! I never heard from her or saw any of them again. I am far more cautious now in the company of new acquaintances.