On the first of the month, anxiety filled the small apartment of a tenant who faced an unsettling reality: he couldn’t pay rent for the first time in years. His Uber earnings fell short, and the weight of his financial struggles pressed down on him.

A sudden knock jolted him from his thoughts. Opening the door, he was met by his imposing landlord, Bossy Delilah, arms crossed and a smirk on her face.

Well, look who’s short on cash, she sneered. Did you think I wouldn’t find out

His head dropped in shame. I’m really sorry, Delilah. I’m trying, but
Excuses! ...

On the first of the month, anxiety filled the small apartment of a tenant who faced an unsettling reality: he couldn’t pay rent for the first time in years. His Uber earnings fell short, and the weight of his financial struggles pressed down on him.

A sudden knock jolted him from his thoughts. Opening the door, he was met by his imposing landlord, Bossy Delilah, arms crossed and a smirk on her face.

Well, look who’s short on cash, she sneered. Did you think I wouldn’t find out

His head dropped in shame. I’m really sorry, Delilah. I’m trying, but
Excuses! she interrupted, her voice sharp. You owe me money, and I don’t care about your struggles.

He shifted uncomfortably. I promise I’ll catch up next month. Just give me time

Time
she mocked. Either pay up or face eviction.

Fear washed over him. Eviction

Delilah leaned in, her smirk widening. You’ll have to become my property if you want to stay. I’ll get my money, one way or another.

In disbelief, he stammered, You can’t be serious

Oh, I am, she said, arms crossed defiantly. You have no choice. Time to decide

Glancing around his shabby apartment, he felt cornered. Okay I’ll do it.

Her triumphant grin unnerved him. Good choice. Better my property than a hobo.

As he sat on the floor, pen trembling in hand, he realized the depth of his humiliation. Signing the contract meant trading his dignity for shelter, and the weight of it felt heavier than ever. He had become her property, trapped in a life dictated by her whims.

Little did he know, he was about to learn just how degrading that choice would be.