The Swollen Root Boarding House

Cody stepped out of the taxi with a smile on his face. He had finally made the big move out of his parents house and was ready to start the next chapter of his life. At eighteen years old it was time to start college. Cody hadn't been particularly keen on the idea of sharing an already cramped room with a total stranger during the first year of his college life and had gone to great lengths to find some sort of off-campus arrangement. It had been one hell of a search, mostly through overpriced dumps in bad neighborhoods, but he eventually came across a location that had completely caught his interest.

The Swollen Trunk Boarding House. Apparently it was a building just over a 100 years old that occupied a rather large amount of land while still in the middle of the city proper. Built in the late Victorian era it had been well maintained and steadily upgraded to become the perfect blend of modern convenience with classic design. It was honestly more like a mansion than a boarding house and sported just over 20 bedrooms and a number of facilities including a swimming pool on the grounds behind it. Best of all its location was absolutely perfect for his needs as it was only a few blocks walk away from downtown and a short bus ride to the school's campus. It couldn't be more perfect if it tried!

Actually, it was a little too perfect. That's what made the case of rent all the more unusual. The price per month was practically nothing. All that was required was an application that included, among other information, his name, his age, a list of his interests and activities, and a photo. The application failed to say which qualities it was looking for in approval but Cody gave it a try all the same. By stroke of luck he received a letter the very same week announcing that he was an absolutely perfect candidate for residency and that he was welcome to move in as early as he liked! He couldn't believe his luck!

"Ah, wonderful! You must be Mr. Moore." came a voice nearby. Standing along the walkway to the gorgeous home was a woman in her early 30s, dressed professionally and sporting a pair of chic thin rimmed glasses. "A pleasure to finally meet you. I'm Vivian Mitchell, your landlord." After a small pause she ran an appraising eye over him before giving a small smile and a nod. "Oh yes, I think you will fit in wonderfully."