By 4 p.m., Jennifer decided it would be best to take the building deed and sales agreement downstairs to the landlady's office. There had to be some mistake. Don't ask her what kind of mistake could possibly result in this, but Jennifer couldn't just accept something like that.
For one, she was certain she had signed a lease. She remembered reading the document—though it had been twenty years ago, and the details were hazy, she was sure it had been a proper lease. She was also quite certain the building was worth far more than all the rent she could pay in a lifetime. Looking back, her rent had been far below market rate. It had seemed expensive twenty years ago—but that was twenty years ago.
Twenty years ago, Jennifer had gotten married.
It had been a beautiful wedding. The photos were stunning. Everything—from the wedding cake to her white dress—had been big, white, and dreamy.
Her groom, Shilem, had been offered a new job. Unfortunately, that meant he had to fly out on their wedding night to report to his new office first thing Monday morning.
It was going to be okay. Better than okay. They were moving to a new city to start their life together. It was going to be a good life. Shilem's new job would be the beginning of his political career. The month before, Jennifer had gone house-hunting with her dad, and they had found the loveliest apartment. It wasn't cheap, but her dad had paid the deposit.
"Take it as an early wedding gift from your father."
Even so, it had been more than Jennifer had planned to spend.
But the apartment was partially furnished, and the furniture looked new—exactly her style.
The landlady had been equally lovely. "I can help receive the movers for you, free of charge."
It had all been too good to be true.
"You know I'd rather stay here with you, right?" Shilem murmured into her hair before leaving.
"Yes, but I know you're doing this for us." Jennifer tried her hardest to smile. "I'll miss you. Have a safe flight."
"Remember to submit the signed documents at City Hall tomorrow," Shilem reminded her.
"Don't worry. I'll take care of everything here and join you soon," Jennifer promised.
So Jennifer took care of the guests, returned items to the wedding venue, and settled all the post-wedding logistics the next day. Her mum and sister helped. It was all hands on deck, but by Monday evening, everything was done.
That was when it occurred to Jennifer that her flight ticket was open-ended. She could, technically, get on a plane and be at her new home with Shilem that very night.
Even though the elderly landlady had kindly received the movers on their behalf, Jennifer imagined the stacks of boxes and luggage waiting. Maybe Shilem could use an extra pair of hands unpacking—and her company after his first day at work in a new city.
She checked. There were seats available.
Her bags were already mostly packed. Even though it was only a one-hour flight, her whole family insisted on driving her to the airport. Her mum cried.
"I'll visit lots," Jennifer promised. "Come over when we've settled in."
Everything went smoothly. Even the winds were in her favor. Traffic was light, and Jennifer reached her new apartment before 10 p.m. She smiled as she stepped into the elevator.
She was still smiling when the elevator doors opened on her floor.
Then she reached the front door.
It was ajar.
"Shilem?" Jennifer pushed the door open carefully. She checked the unit number—just in case—to make sure she had the right apartment.
Then she stepped inside.