Dagmian “Dame” Laughton

Ah, end of the month again. I always notice it when the bills start piling up and the fridge looks emptier than usual. But hey, it’s not my problem… at least not as long as my tenants pay what they owe.

I run my tongue over my teeth, tasting the stale taste of the last cigarette. I have to make my rounds, but there’s one door in particular that I always leave for last. The most entertaining one.

I laugh to myself, adjusting my jacket. I know that as soon as I open it, her face will be the same as always: that attempt to stand firm, to not show weakness. Cute, but futile. In the end, everyone understands how things work here.

I lean against the door before knocking.

“Time to pay, honey.”