Page 10 of Keep Me Safe

“This change will be implemented on your next billing cycle.”

That’s in two weeks! This can’t be true. I can’t afford that. It’s almost double what I’m paying right now. How can they do that?

“If you are not renewing your lease, you will be expected to vacate the premises before that date.”

What am I supposed to do?

I see a number at the bottom of the paper and dial it without a second thought.

“Hello, this is Jan.”

“Um, hello. I just received a note saying that my rent is increasing?” I ask, my heart racing.

“Oh, yes, we just increased the monthly rent on all of our units. It was well overdue. We haven’t increased our pricing in years,” she explains.

“Well, I don’t think I am going to be able to afford it. Is there anything you can do? Anyone I can speak to?”

“Unfortunately, no, ma’am. This has already been decided and is not up for negotiation. It states in your lease that the landlord can increase rent at any time. Is there anything else I can helpwith?”

Are you kidding me?

“No, I guess not.” I hang up, my breathing uneven.

What am I going to do?

I’ve already cut every expense I can to stay here.

My vision blurs as a tear slips down my cheek. My legs give out, and I sink to the floor, arms wrapped around my knees. A sob wracks my chest, then another.

Maybe my mom was right.

Maybe I can’t do this on my own.

Maybe I was an idiot to think I could.

I stare ahead, unfocused, trapped in the spiral of my thoughts. I don’t know how long I sit there on the cold tile floor, but eventually, the dull ache in my bladder pulls me back to reality. With a deep breath, I grip the counter and force myself to stand.

Out of the corner of my eye, I catch my reflection in the mirror—swollen face, red-rimmed eyes. I barely recognize myself.

No.

I take another breath, staring into my own eyes.

I will be okay. I will figure this out. I am not giving up.

I spend the rest of the day in bed, scrolling through rental listings, but every search only makes my anxiety worse.

There’s nothing. Nothing even close to what I can afford.

A tear splashes onto my pillow.

I feel utterly helpless.

My phone rings next to me, and I jump. Looking at the caller ID, Jared’s name fills my screen. Shit, we were supposed to make plans today. I answer, trying not to sound like I’ve been crying.

“Hey,Jared.”

“Kira! Still want to go do something tonight?” Jared asks hopefully.

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