"Mr. Ward, this is Deann Kramer, can you please call me back. I need to talk with you regarding my apartment." Richard heard the message and wondered what could be going on. Deann had always been a good renter. She was quiet and never caused any problems for him. She was one of the few renters he liked, and appreciated.
He had some minor repairs to do at the apartment across from Deann. So he planned to call her back and make arrangements to stop by tomorrow so they could talk face to face. He could hear worry in her voice when he called, but she said she would be home.
The next morning Richard knocked on Deann's door. It was early and she startled out of her sleep. She answered the door wearing a t-shirt and shorts. Her hair was a bit rumpled but she didn't have time to fuss. "Good morning Mr. Ward. I'm so sorry, I just woke up. I must not have heard my alarm. Please come in. Can I get you some coffee?"
"Sure Deann; that would be nice." He said as he took a seat at her kitchen table. They made some small talk as she hurried about the kitchen and started the coffee maker. She poured them each a cup and added some cream and sugar bowls to the table, not knowing if he preferred either.
While she stirred her coffee he noticed her hand trembling. She began explaining to him that she had lost her job and wasn't sure how long it would be until she could get another job and save enough to pay her rent. She knew she couldn't pay on time and it distressed her terribly. She'd never fallen on hard times like this before and didn't want to lose her home on top of everything else. Richard was always a kind and generous man and she hoped he would be understanding.
He gently took her hand in his and as she looked up he saw silent tears roll down her cheeks. "It's ok my dear. We can figure something out. You've been my best renter for years. We won't let a little set back change that."
She felt indebted to him and reassured him she was willing to help work around the apartment building or help with anything he needed to make up the lost rent if she couldn't get back on her feet soon.
Deann was a beautiful girl in her early 30s, long blonde hair and luscious curves most men noticed. Richard had always secretly admired her. She was kind, gentle, generous to others and yet strong and stoic. She wasn't the type to complain and took everything in stride. He'd never seen her so rattled but it made him want to comfort and care for her.