“And the rent is unpaid for next month,” Ruth said, her thumb tracing the red stamp near the bottom.
“He did not sign the lease, Ruth,” Lauren said. “He told the landlord he had no connection to this property. He said he was not responsible for any debts incurred here.”
“He said he was paying the landlord directly through his business account,” Ruth said, her voice barely audible.
“The landlord called me yesterday,” Lauren said. “We have twenty-eight days before they start the eviction process.”
Ruth stood under the bare hallway bulb, holding the cheap, generic brand milk carton, staring at the expiration date as if it were a timer.
Ruth set the milk carton down on the yellow-tiled counter, her fingers lingering on the damp cardboard. The kitchen clock ticked against the peeling yellow wallpaper, its rhythm matching the slow, rhythmic drip of the faucet.
