Nolan drove them straight to the apartment that Cherry’s dad had given to them. Inside the car, his aunt kept holding the key tightly in her hand, like if she loosened her grip, it would disappear. His uncle kept looking at the gift card over and over again, still finding it hard to believe.They had been living in a very uncomfortable house all their life. The house was not just small in size, it was also very old. The paint on the walls had peeled off long ago. Some parts of the ceiling were cracked and the doors made noise whenever they opened or closed them.Most of the things inside the house were either not working properly or had already worn out completely. The sofa had sunken in the middle, the kitchen cabinets were loose, the fan in the sitting room made a loud sound whenever it was turned on.The house was filled with mold in some corners, especially during the rainy season. There was always a musty scent inside and no matter how much his aunt cleaned, the smell never truly

“Well, just so you know, we just bought a house in this estate. Or can’t we?” Nolan said with a cold voice.His tone was calm but firm but Gina just laughed. She laughed loudly like what he said was the funniest thing she had heard all day.“We have been neighbours for years, Nolan,” she said, shaking her head. “And your family’s condition is what is known to everyone. Everybody knows it. But you’re here talking about the fact that you just bought a house in this estate?”She placed her hand on her chest dramatically. “You’re so funny. Is it me you think you can fool?” Gina said as she continued laughing.She looked at them again from head to toe like she was inspecting them.“You people used to struggle to even fix your leaking roof. Now you’re telling me you bought a house here? In this estate?”Her laughter reduced but the mocking smile was still on her face.“What Nolan said is true,” Nolan’s uncle said calmly, joining the conversation. “We now have a new house in this estate.”“I

Pascal, the diligent security man, locked the security gate behind him and put up a quick notice that he was stepping away to use the restroom. Then he hurried to follow Nolan, his uncle, and his aunt as they made their way to the house. By the time they arrived, Gina was already standing in front of the house, arms crossed, with a smug smile plastered across her face.“I can see the three of you took your sweet time to get here,” she said, her tone mocking. “I hope it’s not because you were thinking of ways to wiggle out of the situation you suddenly put yourselves in. Well, the house is here, so come and open the door. Or don’t you have the keys?” She let out a short, high-pitched laugh, clearly enjoying herself.Gina’s eyes glinted with satisfaction. She didn’t believe Nolan’s uncle could actually open the door and was ready to expose what she thought was their lie, mocking them in front of anyone who might happen to see, spreading the story of their foolishness to the estate.Nola

“So are you saying that I read the wrong thing? It was clearly Lane 1 when I looked at the key. How come it is now 7? I’m so confused,” Nolan’s uncle said, scratching his head as he looked at Patrick with disbelief.“Oh, sir, you read it wrong. It isn’t Lane 1 but 7. You can come and have a look to understand what I’m trying to say,” Patrick said with a small chuckle, holding the key out for them to see clearly.Nolan’s uncle still couldn’t believe it. He slowly walked up to Patrick, staring hard at the key in his hand. Nolan and his aunt also moved closer so they could see it for themselves.“But… isn’t this 1?” Nolan’s uncle asked again, still confused as he squinted at the number engraved on the small metal plate attached to the key.“It is actually Lane 7, Dad. You got it all mixed up and made us come here,” Nolan said, feeling relieved but also slightly frustrated that they had gone through all that humiliation because of a simple mistake.It wasn’t entirely Nolan’s uncle’s fault

Patrick gave Gina a flat look and couldn’t help but scoff at her words. He knew her very well. She was always a disturbance in the neighbourhood, always involved in one issue or the other. He didn’t even need anyone to explain what had happened earlier to know that she must have insulted Nolan’s family badly. From the way she was talking, it was obvious.He completely ignored her and turned to Nolan’s uncle.“Sir, you’re a distinguished guest of this wonderful estate, and it is only right that you receive the best service anyone could ever get here. If you don’t mind, please allow me to personally escort you to your new home,” Patrick said politely, giving a small respectful bow.“Of course I don’t mind,” Nolan’s uncle replied with a loud laugh. He was so happy that his voice sounded different.“Give me a minute. Let me get the car I will use to take you there. Residents like you are not supposed to be walking,” Patrick added before jogging off.A few moments later, he returned with a