A person renting a set of keys | Source: Midterm
“Leave now!” Hank shouts urgently.
I was terrified. I grabbed the closest object I could find, my son’s baseball bat, and prepared to defend myself. As I rounded the corner, I came face to face with our hostess, Mrs. Winslow. His eyes widened in surprise when he saw me. He clearly didn’t expect anyone to be home.
“Oh, hello, dear Lauren,” she said with a casual smile, as if she hadn’t been caught when she entered my apartment.
Close-up of an elderly woman | Source: Close-up of an elderly woman mid-journey
| Source: Midjourney
“I was cleaning. You know, you should really make your kitchen more efficient.”
My shock quickly turned to anger and my blood pressure rose.
“Mrs. Winslow, what are you doing here?” You can’t just break into our house!
She waved her hand dismissively and smiled as if nothing had happened.
“This is absurd, my love,” she said. “I’m just giving you a hand. I know you work long hours. Your children shouldn’t have to pay the price.”
A smiling elderly woman | Source: Mid-term
“That’s not the point!” I yelled, my grip around the bat tightening. “You promised it wouldn’t happen again.” “You’re going to break into the house!”
The expression on his face changed.
“I was just trying to help you, Lauren. You youngsters are always so busy. I thought you might appreciate a little order.”
“Get out, Mrs. Winslow. Immediately. I’m calling the police.”
Shocked Older Woman | Source: Shocked Older Woman Mid-Speech
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In her defense, I can say that she seemed genuinely surprised by my reaction, but she left without further protest. I closed the door behind her and collapsed on the floor, trying to control my breathing.
“Hank, she’s gone. It was Mrs. Winslow.” “She was there, going through our stuff,” I said.
“My God, Lauren.” I heard everything,” Hank said. “And Summer already called the police. They should be on their way to you by now.”
A woman locking the door | Source: Midjourney
“Come home quickly,” I said, hanging up.
Shortly after, the police arrived and took my statement.
“Oh, we’ve had problems with your landlord before,” one officer said. “She’s used to coming and going and helping tenants whether they want it or not.”
A police officer stands in a hallway | Source: Midterm
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