She tries pawning her valuables

Dana felt her heart sink. Her phone, credit card, ID, spare cash, apartment keys - everything had been inside her purse. Without it, she had absolutely nothing. And worse, even if she had her bank card, she knew it wouldn't be enough. She was going through a rough time financially. The evening at the restaurant was the only nice thing she had done for herself for a long time, and she had saved up cash for paying the bill - cash that was no longer with her.

Dana racked her brain, until she thought of an idea. "I, uh, have some jewelry in my apartment, and maybe some other things of value. Can I use them to repay you?"

Amanda looked at Mr. Williams. He raised an eyebrow. She turned back to Dana and said, "We can consider it, although we must look at the items first. I assume your apartment key was lost with your purse - do you have someone who can help you get into your apartment?"

Finally, some good news! Dana gave Amanda the number of her landlord, Mr. Evans. He should have a spare key with him. Amanda keyed in the number on her phone, and put the call on speaker. The phone rang for a while, before someone picked up.

"Who is this?", said a mildly annoyed voice on the other end. It was Mr. Evans, Dana's landlord.

"M-Mr. Evans, it's me, Dana. I'm sorry for calling so late, but I need your help.", she said.

"Dana? What do you need my help for?", came the reply. Mr. Williams and Amanda were listening in, which made Dana very nervous. She tried her best to keep her composure as she replied, "I, uh, someone stole my purse. I lost my phone and apartment keys, and I was hoping you could help me get inside my apartment.".

There was a long silence on the other end. Then, came the response. "I'm sorry about that, Dana. Unfortunately, I can't help you, because it is not your apartment anymore."

Dana blood ran cold. What did he mean, not her apartment anymore? "I-I'm sorry?", was all she could sputter in response, trying hard to not cry.

"After the third month in a row you failed to pay rent, I had to take some action. While you were gone, I had movers come in and ship all of your things to your parents'. As of now, you don't live there anymore. I'm sorry Dana, but I hope this is the last time we ever talk to each other." He ended the call.

Dana was shell shocked. Everything she owned was in a truck somewhere, headed to her parents' house across the country. It could be weeks before it got there! She had nothing!

She was frozen in panic, and it was Mr. Williams's voice that made her realize there were other people in the car with her.

"Ms. Dana. You have no money, no place to live, no belongings and no clothes. How can you possibly repay what you owe?" He turned to Amanda, and said "This is a joke. Please call the police."

Dana was on the verge of a nervous breakdown. They would throw her in jail for this! Her life had fallen apart in front of her eyes, and she had one final chance to say something before it was all over for her.