Well be staying with you for a while, as we don’t have enough money to rent a flat! My friend told me.
I have always been quite an energetic woman. Even at the age of sixty-five, I managed to visit all sorts of places and meet the most fascinating people. When I think back to my youth, it fills me with both joy and a touch of sadness. In those days, you could holiday anywhere you liked! It was simple enough to go to the seaside, take a tenting trip with friends and colleagues, or perhaps enjoy a cruise along the river. You could do all this with barely any money in your purse.
But all those things are memories now, belonging to another time.
I always delighted in meeting new people. Whether it was on the beach or at the theatre, I struck up friendships easily and stayed in touch with many acquaintances throughout the years.
One day, I happened to befriend a woman named Hazel. We spent a holiday together, lodging at the same guest house. When it was time to part ways, we did so as friends. A few years went by. Occasionally, we exchanged letters and wished each other well at Christmas and Easter. Then, one afternoon, a telegram arrived. There was no signature. It simply read: Train arriving at three in the morning. Wait for me at the station!
I had no idea who could have sent such a telegram. Of course, my husband and I did not venture out anywhere. But at four in the morning someone knocked at our door. I opened it and was utterly taken aback. There stood Hazel, two teenage girls, an elderly grandmother, and a man. They had with them a mountain of luggage. My husband and I stood there in shock, unsure what to do. At last, we ushered our unexpected guests into the flat. Hazel turned to me and asked:
Why didnt you come to meet us? After all, I sent you a telegram! And besides, taxis are expensive!
I’m sorry, we really didnt know whod sent it!
Well, I had your address. And so here I am.
But I thought we were only to write to each other, that was all!
Hazel then explained that one of the girls had finished school that year and had decided to attend university. The rest of the family had come along to support her.
Well stay with you! We cant afford the rent for a flat! Besides, youre quite close to the city centre!
I was flabbergasted. We werent even family. Why should we put them up? Yet there we were, expected to feed them three times a day. Theyd brought some food with them, but never once did they cook for themselves. I found myself waiting on all of them.
After three days, my patience ran out and I asked Hazel and her relations to find somewhere else to stay. I really didnt care where. A tremendous argument broke out. Hazel started throwing crockery and shrieking like a child.
I was well and truly stunned by her behaviour. Eventually, they left. Somehow, theyd pinched my dressing gown, a few towels, and quite remarkably they even managed to make off with a large pot of cabbage stew. I still dont know how they managed it. But the pot simply vanished!
