Leave your apartment

You look at the time on your phone, knowing you'll have to hurry if you want to catch the next bus. Luckily the bus stop is right in front of your apartment. You quickly check your bag to make sure you haven't forgotten anything, and open the door to step out into the main staircase...

... And you are suddenly face-to-face with your aging landlord. It looks like he was just about to knock on your door; his eyes widening as much as yours in mutual surprise. You consider slamming the door shut, but realize that there's really no escaping or avoiding him this time. Already he is glaring at you with those beady little eyes of his. "Marlow. I finally caught you", he says in a low growl. "I think you are aware that your next rent is due tomorrow?"

"Yeah, yeah", you say, trying to wave him aside. You really need to catch the bus now and you really don't have the time for this. "I'll have your money tomorrow, don't you worry. No need to get all-"

The landlord's face grows redder still, and he cuts you off while he steps closer. "That's what you told me last month. Which you, by the way, also still owe me for!", he snarls. He's now so close to you that you instinctively take a step back, feeling intimidated. He continues, his voice dropping even lower. "And if you know what's good for you, you'll watch your tone. I've been letting you off very easy, young lady".

"I- I can pay you!{if redpay=0}", you say hastily, although you know it to be a lie. You doubt you've earned enough cash with your efforts already, and you've yet to receive most of it anyway. But you don't have the time for this right now. "{else}", you utter, although you really hate the thought of having to part with your hard-earned money already. You didn't count the total sum you received; and you aren't even sure if you will have enough to pay for two subsequent months of rent. Also, you really don't have the time for this conversation right now. "{endif} I'll have it tomorrow, I promise!", you plead as you try to step past him.

The man's eyes widen slightly, and then narrow again. "Is that a joke? Is this funny to you?", he asks, gently prodding his index finger into your chest as he blocks your path. "If your plan is to just avoid me again, you'll be out of here within a week", he threatens. He looks really angry, and it makes you wonder if he knew that you were secretly at home when you ignored him persistently knocking on your door last week. That probably also meant that he was well aware that you weren't at your job at the grocery store anymore.

"I-I promise it!", you say. You really want to appease him, but you're just not sure if you have the time for this right now, and you have no desire to tell him about your new job either.

He bursts out laughing. "You promise? What are you? Five? Is this just a game to you?", he asks as he continues blocking your path, and it doesn't look like he is about to let you pass anytime soon.

"No, I really mean it!", you say, but you realize he won't be budging. You quickly glance at your phone and realize that you're probably not going to catch your bus anymore. The next one will come around in half an hour. You let out a soft sigh as you realize that you'll now have to deal with this situation first.

"Promise what? What are you promising?", he asks stubbornly, shaking his head while his eyes stay on you. You realize you should probably just give him your hard-earned money and hope it'll enough, but you can't help but briefly wonder if there might be some other way to appease him.