Like Mine

Hello Neighbor

After sleeping on a coworker's couch for a month, Malia was moving into the cheapest apartment she could find. It was awful. Just...terrible.
"I can't live here. It's disgusting!" Malia said repulsed.
"You already signed the lease. Besides, what do you expect for $400.00 a month?" He asked and put the key in her hand. "Welcome home."
"Is that a bullethole?!" Malia demanded, horrified. The landlord tilted his head at it.
"Maybe. Good luck." He said and walked out. "Can you help me with my things?" Malia asked no one. He was already gone. Malia rolled her eyes and started bringing up her stuff for herself. Thankfully it wasn't much.
Malia pulled down the bed that also had bullet holes, an actual bullet and what she could only assume was pee stains. Malia gave a sad whine before settling into the bed.
At least she had somewhere of her own.

Night two, Malia could get a wink of sleep due to the loud love making coming from the apartment above her. The arguing right next to her and the rat staring her in the face.
"Raaaaatttt!!!!" Malia screeched and ran to the corner of the room.
Just then someone kicked down the door. Charging in with a pistol.
"Where's the fire?" He asked looking around urgently.
"R-R-rat. Right there on my bed." Malia said pointing.
"That? It's just a baby." He said and put away his gun. He made a clicking sound and a nod to the door and the mouse ran out.
"You got rid of it...How did you do that?" Malia asked,
heart slowing now.
"Eh. I've always been good with animals. He probably wandered in because he smelled food. You okay now?" He asked.
"Much. Thanks. I hate this place. It's awful." Malia said with a sad smile.
"It really is. How did a nice girl like you end up living in this dump?" He asked. Washing her dishes.
"It was affordable. I went from a clean, big penthouse apartment, to...this. All because my jerkoff ex abandoned me and kicked me out." Malia said bitterly.
"Yikes. I'm sorry." He said looking back at her.
"It's okay...well not really but it's not your fault. It gets worse but I won't bore you with the details." Malia said.
"I don't mind. I got nothing better to do. I'm Scott. McCall. Scott McCall." He said and extended his hand.
"Malia Tate. Where have I seen you before? You look familiar." Malia said.
"I come into Rudolph's sometimes where you work." Scott explained.
"You're the guy who comes in every Thursday to order a Tuna Melt with pickles, chocolate chip cookies and a coke! Right. Well it's nice to officially meet you." Malia said and shook his hand. "What are you doing over here though?" Malia asked.
"I live in the apartment right ahead of you. That's why I was able to get here so quickly. Sorry about your door. I thought you were in danger." Scott said embarrassed.
"The landlord'll get it." Malia laughed.
"Your laugh is so cute...Anyway. Get some sleep. Neighbor." Scott said and tipped his invisible hat. She curtsied.
"Neighbor." Scott laughed and closed in her door hanging from the hinges.
"Huh. He did the dishes."