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“It’s fine. I actually don’t feel too bad.”

“How is that possible? I feel like my head is going to explode.” I rub my temples for good measure.

“You’re a lightweight, and you had way more than me. But you don’t look too bad.”

“Jeez, thanks. I still feel guilty for keeping you up so late. Did you get any sleep?”

“A good four hours.” She laughs at my shocked face. “Hey, I work at a coffee shop. It’s the ideal place to be when you’ve had very little sleep. Look.” She holds out her arm, and I notice her shaky hand. “It’s the caffeine jitters. I already had three espresso shots and a giant cold brew.”

“That’s slightly unhinged.” I grin.

“The jitters make me feel alive. Do you want coffee?”

“Could you actually just inject caffeine straight into my veins?”

“I could try, but my hand wouldn’t be steady enough to poke your veins.”

“Fine. Don’t poke me. I’ll settle for a coffee then, and the biggest croissant you have over there.”

I head to my favorite table and unpack my laptop. It’s my mission to start looking for a new place to rent today. I know time will creep up on me, and I want to be prepared.

Kora brings me a giant mug of black coffee and a chocolate croissant. “For the girl who kept me up all night,” she says loudly.

I snort, but she just winks and heads back to the counter.

“Thank you,” I shout after her.

An hour later, I’m ready to cry again. There is nothing available that fits my budget or looks remotely like what I’m looking for. I don’t want to be too picky, but I love my current place, and I don’t want to settle for something that isn’t at least decent.

The first time I saw my current rental, I immediately fell in love. It’s a small, charming two-bedroom house painted in crimson red at the end of the road, fenced in with a tiny yard and a wide-open empty plot of land behind it. The inside was recently renovated, and I put a lot of time into picking out the right furniture from thrift stores and decorating it. I never thought I’d have to move. Maybe I was naive, but I saw myself growing old in that house.

I take a deep breath and close my laptop. The coffee shop has emptied significantly as it’s nearing lunchtime. Kora quietly refilled my coffee three times, not daring to speak to me while I was on my house hunt. I gather my things and return my mug to her.

“Any luck?” She sounds hopeful as she takes the mug from me.

“Nope. There are a few available places, but nothing feels right. I might have to ask a real estate agent for help.”

“You could also ask Tom. He knows everyone in town, so maybe he knows of something? I’ll ask around as well.” She gives me a reassuring smile.

“Thank you. A part of me doesn’t want to ask around. It makes it feel too real. I know that’s really dumb.”

“I get it. I’ve also been thinking about the developers and their plans for the property. What if you try to fight back?”

I shake my head. “I don’t think there’s anything I can do. I’m on a month-to-month lease, and they’ve given me a more generous notice than the law requires.”

“Yes, and maybe I’m grasping at straws here, but does this town really need a soulless apartment building? Take Main Street, for example. Every building is colorful and unique, with its own history. I think most people in town would be against someone tearing down a charming house that’s part of the community. And what if that’s just the beginning? A lot of the houses around here are rentals. What if they get rid of all of them?”

I can tell she’s given this some thought, and she seems genuinely appalled by the prospect of more changes here.

“I agree, but is there really anything anyone can do? I’ll do some research, but I doubt we can stop them tearing down a building just because me or the residents of this town are against it.”

Kora shrugs. “It was just an idea.”

“And I love you for it. Maybe I should chain myself to the house when the bulldozer comes. Turn it into big scene and make the national headlines.”

“I fully support.” Kora comes around the counter and gives me a big hug. “Whatever happens, you’re strong and capable and you’ll be okay.”

I squeeze her back, her words meaning more to me than she can probably imagine. We say our goodbyes, and I head out.