CHAPTER 5: A DEAL BEST LEFT REJECTED

Kali worked tirelessly, scrubbing every inch of grime and stain on the bathroom floor and walls until they were spotless and reflective. Then she cleaned the toilet, the sink, and the bathroom mirror, stepping back after to look at her work. She woke up with the pressing urge to vigorously clean her apartment. Seeing as her life had become a bit of a mess, she thought it would be best to make her apartment the opposite of that.

After the bathroom was spotless, the living room vacuumed, the laundry done, and the kitchen cleared of dishes and mopped, she opened all her windows to allow some air in, then settled on the floor to watch the city in silence. The sound of honking cars and the hum of voices from below filled her home.

When she first arrived in the state, she had so many dreams. Fresh out of university with so many prospects and hope. Her younger sister June had stayed back to finish high school while she worked to send her money. Losing their parents had been difficult, but t