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Zoe, inspired by listening to Aunt Jade’s stories of traveling her whole life, got accepted to the architecture school’s study abroad program, and the university in Munich made the arrangements.
I was the last one to make plans. I wanted to be near Zoe, but German visas and the rules of Schengen are complicated.
And now I have an apartment situation.
I could just forget it all and go home, but I’d miss a lot. I’d miss getting together every month in a new city with my friends. The yoga studio back home could only get me so far—I was limited by the hours I could teach and the number of students for each session. Sure, I was taking a hit financially now, but when my business gets rolling, I’ll be able to make more money and help Zoe chip away at student loans.
I down the rest of my now-cool tea and stand, throwing my tote over my shoulder. I pick up my phone and text my friends.
Sara
I’m fine. I’m headed back to the (shitty) apartment. I’m going to look at listings. Tessa, have a great date with Luc, and we can talk in the morning.
What would I be teaching my daughter if I just gave up, anyway? The lesson hiding in this is to make the best of any situation and stand on your own two feet. That’s what I did when her dad died, and that’s what I’ll do now.
How bad can a little fungus be?
The fungus isthe least of my problems.
After returning to my apartment with a renewed focus, I find basic cleaning supplies and scrub until my back aches. I unpack, order a vegan meal from a delivery service, and eat dinner.
As soon as I roll out my yoga mat for an evening meditation, a heavy bass and screaming lyrics start up next door.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I grumble.
I sit for no more than ten seconds before I realize there’s no way I can practice mindfulness here. My resolve crumbling, I pick up my phone and send Chris’s information—address, selfie, photo of his driver’s license—to my friends.
Jade
Um, Sara, who are you stalking?
Sara
This guy, Chris, has a room for me to rent.
Jade
Wait, what happened to your apartment?
I fill Jade, and eventually Emma, in on the fungus-and-mold situation. Together, we weigh the pros and cons of the apartment and debate stranger danger versus the kindness of humanity.
Tessa
What do we know about this guy?
Sara
I searched online, but his name is common, so the results are mostly about an MP in Britain’s Parliament and a goth-punk rock star.
Wait, how was your date with Luc? Is he still there?
Tessa
It was great. He’s back at his hotel.
Jade
Did your date end with a bang?
