I tried getting off my bed, as my body was exhausted from work yesterday. Before I could fully leave the bed, I stopped and stared out the window of my small studio apartment– as it being the only place I could afford.

Before I could dwell on my bad financial situation, my phone rang. It was my landlord calling me on my weekend.

“Good morning, Ava. You’re still late on your rent. I’m sorry to bring this up so early, but I can only afford to give you two more weeks before I may have to evict you.”

I gently assured her as best as I could with my groggy morning voice, but I could still sense a hint of uncertainty in her response. There was nothing else I could do besides promise I’d get the rent.

As I moved the phone from my ear and slammed it onto the bed, I sighed from the stress and extra work I’d have to pick up to get rent within two weeks. In my moment of deep thought, I remembered the incident by the bus stop. I gave him my number, but he never texted or called. I thought he was interested in me, but as time went on, I started believing that less and less.

Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

Even though he never called or texted, I couldn't help but check every notification or sound my phone made.

As I was making breakfast, I heard the sound of a message and saw it was him. Excitedly, I opened my phone to see what his message said.

“A panda emoji?”

*

“Are you sure about this”

“Of course, I did it with Stella and look I’m a married man”

A passing Stella walked pass and gave us a laugh

“A lucky one that is”