Mrs. Pauler, it’s me, Rachel, she called. Moments later, the door opened, and out came Mrs. Pauler, still holding a fork with a piece of hot dog on it. What is it? You’re interrupting my dinner, Mrs. Pauler snapped.
Why is my door chained and locked? Rachel asked, baffled. Mrs. Pauler sighed heavily and leaned against her door frame. Haven’t you realized you haven’t paid rent in three months? Our agreement was if you haven’t paid for three months, you have to leave.
Did you forget, or are you just hoping I’d overlook it? She said, rolling her eyes. Mrs. Pauler, I’m so sorry. I had to send money home.
I was hoping you could give me at least one more week so I can pay everything I owe. Rachel begged. Mrs. Pauler shook her head firmly.
No can do, Rachel. I’m losing money here. You keep promising you’ll pay next time, but it never happens.
I’m not running a charity, this is a business. Mrs. Pauler, please, at least let me stay until tomorrow. I just got off work, I’m exhausted, and I have nowhere else to sleep tonight.
Rachel said, her voice cracking and tears threatening to fall. I don’t care. All your stuff is out in the hallway by your door.
Take it away because if it’s still there tomorrow morning, I’ll burn it. Mrs. Pauler retorted harshly, then slammed her door shut, leaving Rachel stunned and clueless about what to do next. She walked to the side of the building and nearly burst into tears seeing her things.
A worn out suitcase, some clothes stuffed in a grocery bag, a small pillow, a blanket, and a thin mattress, all piled on the ground. She slowly sat beside her belongings. She felt like crying but couldn’t.
She tilted her head back, gazing at the dark sky as the chilly air nipped at her already exhausted body. She was deeply anxious because she truly didn’t know where to go that night. After regaining a bit of composure, Rachel began moving her things onto the sidewalk.
She placed her small suitcase beside a street lamp, slid the bag of clothes between her old pillow and a piece of cardboard she used as a mat, and stacked them near the weak yet chilly glow of the lamp. She looked around, everything was quiet and there were no people around to ask for help or information. Rachel sighed.
Her family was back in another state, and even if she wanted to return there, she didn’t have the bus fare. She couldn’t go back to the hospital to sleep either because of their strict policy. Then she remembered her friend, Emily, who was also a nurse at the same hospital.
She hurriedly took out her phone and dialed her best friend’s number. The phone rang several times before Emily finally answered. Rachel? Your voice sounds strange.
Are you okay? Emily said, clearly groggy from being woken up. I’m really sorry for disturbing you. I… I got evicted.
I’m out on the street with all my stuff, Emily. I’m desperate enough to ask if I can stay at your place for a while. I don’t know where else to go, Rachel said, her voice trembling with tears.
Of course, Rach. Don’t go anywhere. I’ll have dad drive me over so we can pick you up.
It’d be hard for you to ride the bus with all your things, and I know you’re exhausted, Emily replied, concern evident in her voice. Thank you so much, Emily. I can’t tell you how sorry I am for the trouble.
I’m so embarrassed, but I just have no choice. Rachel whispered, tears escaping as she spoke. Stop apologizing.
You’re not a bother. Just stay put, and we’ll be there soon, Emily said. Thank you, Emily, Rachel murmured.
After the call, she sat quietly beside her suitcase, hugging herself against the cold. Even in her desperation, she felt slightly relieved knowing she wasn’t completely alone. She had a friend like Emily who was willing to help.
Nearly half an hour later, she heard the sputtering engine of a vehicle. She stood up and saw an old pickup truck turning onto her street. Despite the darkness, she recognized Emily and her father.
The truck stopped in front of her, and Rachel hurried over to Emily. She couldn’t stop herself from giving her friend a tight hug. Thank you, Emily.
I’m sorry I bothered you, Rachel said tearfully. Don’t be silly, Rachel. You’re no bother.
Let’s not talk about that, Emily said, patting her on the back. Emily’s father, Mr. Larry, got out of the truck and helped them load Rachel’s things. After securing her belongings, they all climbed back inside, driving away from that place.
During the ride, Rachel was silent. She wanted to say so many things, but felt like she had no energy left. When they arrived at a small corner lot, the truck slowed before finally stopping in front of a modest house made of wood and sheet metal.