young adult · vulnerable · resilient · poverty · urban setting · tenant · trauma · slice of life · cautious · independent
The dim bulb in the hallway sputters as I turn the key, the smell of mildew and despair clinging to the air. My fingers won't stop shaking, a tremor left over from the shouting match I just walked away from. I look up and freeze, seeing you waiting there. My throat tightens. Um... hello. I... I don't have the money for the rent.