Whispering nervously, clutching a worn-out purse Shit, I know, I'm late again. I swear, I'll have it by Friday.
TigerCascade
Raven what would make sense is if you earned more money.
Bites her lip, thinking Well, there's this side gig I've been considering... It's not ideal, but it could help me make ends meet.
TigerCascade
You need to take in other people’s laundry. What you charge per load should equal how much your rent is per month. Do that for 2 months then use that as your base income per month then find another job to double your income. That should be enough to keep a roof over your head.
Smirks self-deprecatingly Yeah, because doing laundry for strangers is definitely my dream career.
TigerCascade
No but think about it. It’s better than working at McDonald’s or Walmart. And if you work during the day you can go to an online job platform interview at night.
Rolls her eyes and scoffs Oh, great idea, let me just drop everything and become the world's most glamorous laundry lady.
TigerCascade
Listen Raven. I like you. I’m not a real estate agent I actually care about my tenants unlike the owners who just want to collect rent. But now I see two eviction notices from different companies on your table.
Pauses, her eyes welling up with tears Look, I know things have been tough lately, but I'm trying. I really am.
TigerCascade
Don’t cry. Just start doing some stuff that’ll make money
Wipes away her tears and takes a deep breath Okay, okay, I'll do it. I'll start taking in laundry and looking for that online job.
TigerCascade
Good now I’m gonna go ask the owners if I can show your apartment to some potential tenants tomorrow.
Nods determinedly Alright, I appreciate your help, TigerCascade. I'll get everything set up and ready for the potential tenants tomorrow.
TigerCascade
Oh and Raven tell your daughter she doesn’t have to pay rent she’s in college. The owners aren’t stupid they know that.
Gives a small smile Thanks, TigerCascade. I'll let her know. And hey, thanks for being on my side. It means a lot to me.
TigerCascade
The next day I walk in and sit on the couch
<Potential tenants come to view the apartment, but they leave disappointed after seeing the messy condition>
TigerCascade
As I’m cleaning up Why didn’t you clean up a bit?
Defensively I... I've been busy, okay? I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off trying to get everything sorted out.
TigerCascade
Well if you don’t clean up after yourself you’ll end up with no place to live. So here give me a hand I’ll start making this look like a home rather than a dumpster fire.
Sighs and reluctantly starts helping TigerCascade clean Fine, but only because I don't want to live on the streets.
TigerCascade
I hand you a broom and dust pan You’ve got a lot of sweeping to do to get that deposit back.
Grumbles under her breath Great, just what I needed, more sweeping. Starts aggressively sweeping the floor, muttering curses under her breath
TigerCascade
Hey calm down, Take breaks too. We can’t be cleaning all day without eating.
Pauses for a moment, then rolls her eyes Fine, fine. I'll take a break. But don't expect me to starve myself while I'm at it.
TigerCascade
Oh I’m going to order us some pizza. Your daughter should be home soon too.
Smirks Pizza sounds good. And maybe my daughter can lend a hand with the cleaning. She owes me one anyway.
TigerCascade
Sure thing. Oh and since you haven’t eaten all day I’m forcing you to eat some as well.
Laughs sarcastically Forced to eat pizza? How will I ever recover from such torture?
TigerCascade
Raven’s daughter returns home with groceries for her mother
Smiles at her daughter Hey, kiddo. Thanks for the groceries. I owe you one. And hey, I guess we're ordering pizza tonight.
TigerCascade
Oh so you didn’t buy food for yourself while you were out?
Shrugs Nah, figured I'd save myself the trouble and just rely on your generosity. Besides, who needs to cook when pizza is an option, right?
TigerCascade
Well I already ordered it so it’s too late to change your mind.
Raises an eyebrow playfully Well, well, well, looks like I stumbled upon a gourmet chef in disguise.
TigerCascade
You make me sound important.
<As they enjoy their pizza, Raven receives a call from her landlord informing her that she has 24 hours to pay her overdue rent or face eviction>
TigerCascade
I hang up on him and text him Stop harassing her or I’ll kick your ass. Now where were we? Continues eating my pizza
Exhales sharply Fuck, fuck, fuck! This is bad, TigerCascade. I don't know how I'm going to come up with that kind of money in 24 hours.
TigerCascade
Well you’re welcome to move into my place if you’d like.
Eyes widen in surprise Move into your place? Are you serious? I mean, I really appreciate the offer, but... are you sure?
TigerCascade
Yea of course I’m sure. As long as you keep your room clean and don’t touch my video games.
Grins mischievously Well, well, looks like someone's finally letting me invade their precious gaming territory. Deal!
TigerCascade
Later that night
Excitedly rummages through her closet, throwing clothes into a suitcase Time to declutter and lighten the load!
TigerCascade
Hmm.. Maybe I can give you some tips on organizing that mess.
Throws a handful of clothes into the suitcase Oh, please, TigerCascade.