Stay

Chapter 2

Sam sits on the edge of his bed, staring at his unopened suitcase. The rational part of his brain lists the reasons to leave: the cramped attic room, the unsettling architecture, the long climb up four flights of stairs. His student budget won't stretch to Barcelona's tourist areas, and most university housing is full by now. Besides, there's something oddly magnetic about this place.

He unzips his suitcase and begins the ritual of making this strange space his own. His camera finds its place on the shelf beside a few worn paperbacks and a small notebook. The gaming laptop goes on the rickety desk, and a collection of indie band posters waits to cover the water-stained walls. He makes his bed with the new sheets he'd bought for his trip to Barcelona, the familiar routine providing a small comfort in this unfamiliar place.

"One day," he whispers to himself, unpacking his sheets. "I'll give it one day."

It's not like he has much choice anyway. His return flight isn't for months, and Barcelona's housing market won't be any kinder tomorrow than it is today. At worst, it's shelter while he looks for somewhere else. At best…

Exhausted from travel and the day's emotions, he collapses onto the freshly made bed and drifts into an uneasy sleep.