Despite All The Odds

~1~ Problematic Solution

I, Cordelia, am desperately searching for the cheapest apartment before I spend all my money on this expensive hotel.

I want to go to the mall so bad. I wish random people would just give me any kind of gift. I love gifts.

But I don't know anyone here, and no one knows me.

The cold breeze from the open window has cooled my coffee and dried my hair, making it fluffy.

Why has no one called me? Why hasn't anyone asked how I'm doing?

I thought everything was going to be just as I had imagined when I moved to New York. I was going to find a job and meet new people that would almost make me feel like I was back in my hometown, perhaps even better than that. But reality had quite realistic plans. So, instead of feeling at home, I felt like a stranger, lost in the crowds of the city. And I looked like a lost kid, hoping someone would ask, "Hey, where are your parents?"

But I'm almost 19, and I'm not a kid anymore. My family hasn't called me since I moved there, not even caring if I'm alive or not.

Finding a side job was tougher than I thought, and the rent prices? How is anyone supposed to afford a place without selling a kidney?

I think I have found my B plan just now.

Now, I have two choices if I can't find a job in a few months: either becoming homeless (or selling my kidney) or returning to my town. You might think the second one is better, but NO—I would rather die than go back to my parents. Going back home empty-handed and proving my parents right can't be an option.

Still, I refused to let negativity consume me.

Here it is!

Yes, yes, yes.

After searching through countless rental listings, I finally found one that seemed promising in terms of affordability. Surprisingly, the place looked nice and was reasonably priced. Excited by the prospect, I wasted no time and immediately booked a viewing.

Upon viewing, I found that it has two rooms, which are perfect for my needs, along with a spacious living room and kitchen.

Now, the only thing left to do is find a good job. However, I still have some doubts about the apartment.

I got up from the desk, stretching a little bit.

How can I celebrate this?

Well, sleeping is the only option, which I am available to do.

Good night to me, I guess.

A day later

I prepared and headed over to the apartment, which thankfully wasn't too far away—just thirty minutes from my hotel and ten minutes from my college by bus.

Keeping positive thoughts in mind, I hoped that this might be the dream house I had been searching for.

I entered the apartment building and stepped into the elevator. Pressing the button, I headed to the fifth floor. Suddenly, someone stopped the elevator's doors closing with his arm and joined me inside. I frowned at his reckless behavior but didn't let it spoil my mood.

But what the hell was that!?

Noticing that he hadn't pressed a button, I realized we were headed to the same floor. While I glanced around, he stared fixedly at the door. Out of the blue, I felt like I should check if he had anything dangerous in his hand, but it was totally empty.

I slipped my hand into my pocket, right where my spray was. If there's no one around to help, I need to be my own hero.

As soon as the elevator stopped, he exited, leaving me behind. Hastily, I searched for the door numbers. But apparently, we were just going in the same direction.