Part of her knew she was rambling, and made no logical sense. The other part believed every word she said as truth

“Being there and not being there,  because even when a person is there they’re not there.”

—R’ Joey Rosenfeld, Inspiration for the Nation, Episode 22

“The current tenants are still here, but they’ll be leaving by the end of the month.” The real estate agent turned the key and pushed the door open.

Ephraim nodded, but Shira was unsettled. She wanted to see a blank space, without someone else’s reality intruding on her imagination. But she quickly shuffled the thought to the back of her mind; she and Ephraim were out looking at homes. This was amazing. She looked at him, met his eyes and smiled, he smiled back.

The house looked like it was last decorated in the ’90s, heavy damask wallpaper, and lots of cheap tchotchkes. Shira wanted to open a window for fresh air, even though the AC was pumping.

“I haven’t been here yet,” the agent said cheerily. “I only got the layout from the landlord today, but you said you were on a tight schedule, so we’ll discover this place together.”

Shira and Ephraim nodded.

“Now keep in mind that anything not nailed down can be changed, so don’t get stuck on furniture or decor or even colors that aren’t to your taste.”

It was as if the agent had read her mind. Shira already hated this house. Be open-minded, she told herself.