I noticed it the second the lock clicked open no resistance, no stiff tumblers, just a smooth slide like the door had been waiting for me. I stepped inside anyway because the listing photos matched exactly.
high ceilings, exposed brick, big windows facing the river. My suitcase wheels rattled across the hardwood as I dragged it in and kicked the door shut behind me.
The place smelled faintly of cedar and clean laundry. I dropped my bag by the couch, peeled off my jacket, kicked my sneakers into the corner. I was exhausted fourteen-hour flight, delayed Uber, the usual post-travel haze.
I stripped down to nothing in the living room, left my clothes in a trail to the bathroom.
The shower was massive, rainfall head, black tile. I stood under the hot spray for twenty minutes letting it po
