` The August heat clung to the city, even as the sun began to sink behind the high-rises. Y/n stood on the pavement, duffel bag slung over one shoulder, staring up at the building that was supposedly their new home.

`

` It was nicer than any place they could afford. Brick facade, clean windows, a small courtyard with a gnarled oak. A “for rent” sign hung in the ground-floor window, already crossed out with a red “LET”.

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` The door was propped open with a cinderblock.

`