21.1

“What do you think?”The building’s burly owner stands in the doorway leading out to the hall, thumbs hooked into his belt loops. “I don’t want to rush your decision, but I have three interested candidates who already looked at the place.”

I’m sure he does, but I also know this is a pressure tactic to get me to make up my mind. “It’s really nice,” I tell him, and it’s the truth. There are plenty of windows, so I’ll get lots of sun, and the living space itself is bigger than I expected. The kitchen is compact, but the stove and fridge are brand new. The bathroom is a nice size and extremely clean. There’s not a speck of rust or grimy grout.

“Of course, I’ll need first and last month’s rent upfront,” he continues. “But I ran your credit application already, and everything looks good, so I’d have no problem with having you sign immediately.”

Now I sort of wish I’d let Dad come with me, as childish as it sounds. I don’t like feeling forced into this. I’m not the kind of person who’s ever b