Heartstrings on Fire

Good thing Agnes was quick on her feet, so that bucket of water only dampened the hem of her dress.

The woman was fierce and intimidating. “Get out! Now! You’re not welcome here.”

Agnes said calmly, “Mrs. Fabian, I just want to talk to you. I mean no harm.”

Mrs. Fabian looked impatient. “I have nothing to discuss with journalists. Leave now or I’ll kick you out.” With that, Mrs. Fabian slammed the door shut.

Agnes found herself left out in the cold.

She sighed. This was a tough nut to crack, no chance for a conversation at all.

But Agnes was not one to give up so easily. She stood at the doorstep, plotting her next move.

Soon after, she heard the barking of dogs in the alleyway, and clearly someone else was approaching.

Jared, dressed in a sleek black overcoat, came in slowly with the backdrop of

was like swallowing a calming pill for Agnes, whose anxiety lessened

approached her and noticing her damp dress, he asked, “What happened?”

couldn’t get in and start a conversation. Do

“Let

words, Agnes was hopeful. After all, Jared was famously known as a skilled negotiator in the

the door again, and in

voice, filled with venom, emerged from within, “Are you still here? Leave now or I’ll call the police.” The same woman’s voice, filled with murderous intent. Seeing two people at her doorstep, she snarled, “What now, you brought reinforcements? Don’t think I’ll be scared just because you brought someone along. Get lost, all of you, or we’ll all go down

animals? If you’re gone,

a nerve. The woman’s expression changed visibly, her faux ferocity

here to discuss your eviction. I’m working on a special

she asked, “So you’re not

smiled and answered, “I’m a journalist, not a government official. Evictions are not within my jurisdiction, Mrs. Fabian. We’re not here to convince you to