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.

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

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

her damp dress, he asked,

and start

“Let me try.”

Jared was famously known as a skilled negotiator in the

door again, and in no time, the door swung

The same woman’s voice, filled with murderous intent. Seeing two people at her doorstep, she snarled, “What now, you brought reinforcements? Don’t

animals? If you’re gone, who will take care of them?”

to hit a nerve. The woman’s expression changed visibly, her

here to discuss your eviction. I’m working on a special feature for the Stray Animal Protection Association about the stray animals in Harmony Hollow. Since you’re the only resident here, we can only

Mrs. Fabian’s expression softened as she asked, “So you’re not here

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