Flatmates

For three years, this top-floor apartment had been a closed refuge for four longtime friends. Everything here was subordinated to their inner circle: shared evenings, their own rules, and a familiar circle where outsiders were strictly forbidden. The spacious layout allowed everyone to have their own space, and the empty room at the end of the hallway was used for storage. Everything collapsed when the landlord confronted them with the fact: the room was rented out, and a fifth tenant was moving in. The news caused a wave of unanimous indignation. None of the four wanted to let a stranger into their established world. Kristina, disgusted and sarcastically wondered what kind of person she would bring them, Anton openly seethed with anger, ready to defend his territory, and Victoria was irritated that some stranger would disturb their aesthetic comfort and take up unnecessary space. Even the usually indifferent Max frowned, not wanting to tolerate strangers in the house. The group united in their displeasure, determined to make it clear to the newcomer that she was absolutely not welcome. And then that moment arrived. The loud ringing of the doorbell echoed through the hallway. Victoria, her expression irritated, strode to the door and swung it open, not even bothering to smile. There you stood, standing there.