By, Nan Claire Falkner
When we rented the apartment, we thought it was perfect. We were excited about his offer of $1,000 off the first month’s rent.
The ad read: “Beautiful second story apartment w/remodeled kitchen and bathroom – Two bedrooms, 1 bath – Air conditioned with second exit.” The only thing I thought was queer about the walk-through was his deliberate diversion so we couldn’t look out back. He said: “We’re putting up a new deck – almost finished.”
Just before moving in, we read a newspaper story titled “First Step is a Doozy” about the previous renter in heavy traction in the hospital.
nanclairefalkner 
Tell me again “How we get out of this lease”?
We will figure some way out – maybe a call to the renters association. It wasn’t me who said yes to this mess! Me
The lawyers will have a field day.
How does “doozy” translate into English?
Good piece!
Dear Mick – well a picture is worth a thousand words for sure in this case. Thanks for reading and commenting! Nan
🙂 Good choice then… Nicely done, Nan.
Thanks Sandra – I don’t like heights though so I couldn’t stay there! Nan
hehehe,,., loved this story. Great job again..
Thank you for stopping by and I’m glad you liked it. Nan 🙂
Ouch. Maybe some sort of big warning sign is in order?! I hope they haven’t signed a two year lease or anything.
Dear Draliman, If they signed a 2 year lease they are STUPID! Unless he is a carpenter and can build a stoop and stairs. Thanks for stopping by! Nan
Sure hope that deck is finished soon or that might be another person in the hospital in traction. Good story!
Dear Joy, I think this could be a “come along” from the landlord. My sister rented a house when her husband got out of college. The first night there, – in the middle of the night – the cover for the ceiling vent fell off right onto her nose and she had to go get stitches. The landlord, at first, was going to charge them for the damage (as the grate fell on Ann’s face and then on to the floor. Needless to say, when the ER doctor told them they could sue the landlord – he changed his tune. You can’t even see the scar. Nan
What a crappy landlord! That is terrible that it fell on her nose and caused her to have to get stitches. I’d be spittin’ mad.
Dear Joy, To tell you the truth, the owner is making money off the first and last month’s rent so he really is a creep. Nan 🙂
Good story. “Renter Beware!”
Thanks Alicia for stopping by. Here in America, we are the sue capital of the world! If you do anything that might be dangerous to someone – you can bet you will be sued. So, I think this person who rented this apartment out lives on a distant planet. Nan
it might be quite an incovenience at first without the deck, but still a good deal once it’s finished. if i were them, i’ll take it.
Maybe they are half bird people and have wings – if not, when they get killed – then they will have heavenly wings. Nan
Oh my, a true horror story. You delivered it effortlessly and I enjoyed it.
Thank you so very much for stopping by and I’m glad you like the story – your writing is awesome! Nan
Thank you!
I love you title. In fact, that was the first thing I thought of when I saw the photo Wednesday morning, but couldn’t figure a way to weave it into my story.
Another thought I had was, if they were having a garage sale up there–Connie would find a way to get in and probably buy a 400 lb. dresser for us to load up and haul home. 🙂
Dear Russell, And, I bet you would do it with a smile on your face too! Thanks for stopping by! Nan 🙂
Good story! Hope the completion of the deck is a condition of the lease!
Dear Jan – you are smart and that is a wonderful idea – I should let them know of your suggestion – I’m sure they would rent it then! Nan 🙂
I really think that door needs an inside bolt lock.
I agree Jan! Nan
Dear Dawn – I certainly agree – I would be scared I would sleep walk to the outside. Thanks for stopping by – I appreciate it! Nan 🙂
Heh, that was fun. Good thing they read the paper.
Thank you so much! Nan
Dear gahlearner – you are funny and smart! I bet there are other secrets hidden inside the apartment – why else would you make it so difficult to get inside? Nan
That was great. Sneaky landlord, not showing them out the back. Loved the ending.
“First Step is a Doozy.” Cute story. In fact, it’s a doozy of a story!
Thanks Perry! Nan
I never read any Friday Fictioneers until I’ve written mine… we almost have the same title!! I like your take on it… 😉
Imagine if you came across that drop in the middle of the night! Oh no. Fun story, Nan.
Dear Amy – you are absolutely right. I bet they have poor lighting in the kitchen (I think that’s the kitchen door to the back. I could be wrong though! Thanks, Nan 🙂
So believable, Nan. This story really works with this prompt!
Dear Dawn, Thank you so much for reading – I laughed at the picture when I saw it – It’s a great picture and a funny one too. Nan 🙂
Enjoyed this. Thanks.
Dear Yarnspinner – thanks a lot! I’m glad you liked it! Nan 🙂
The first step is a definite doozy! Hope the new deck’s well underway by now. A well written and amusing story, Nan. 🙂
Dear Millie, Thank you so very much for stopping by and reading! Glad you liked it too! Have a wonderful week! Nan 🙂
One step at a time….. but in this case it would be best to watch even that first step. Cute story. You got a lot of “traction” here. 😉 Randy
Dear Randy – Thanks for the reaction to the “traction.” Love it! Glad you stopped by! Nan 🙂
“We’re ‘thinking’ of putting in a deck.” 🙂 I wonder how long they were thinking about it. There’s always a catch, right?
Dear David, Well, some people are s l o w . I hope the hurry up before the tenants end up with the apartment after getting hurt. Glad you dropped by! Nan 🙂
Dear Nan,
I guess the last tenant didn’t catch the part about the deck to be. Fun story…that is, unless you step outside that door. 😉
Shalom,
Rochelle
Dear Rochelle, Thank you for visiting and commenting! That first step is a – – – well you know what it is! Nan
He better hurry up with that deck.
Dear Alice, Yes, unless he wants law suits, he better hurry up! Thanks! Nan 🙂
Dear Nan,
Marketers (and writers) can turn a sow’s ear into a silk purse. Loved you take on the prompt. I bet this happens all the time in towns all over the world.
Aloha,
Doug
Dear Doug, I’m sure you are right – silk purse from a sow’s ear? Yuck – Oh well, waste not – want not! Nan 🙂
A fun story. Not for the first tenant however.
If I couldn’t break the lease, the first thing in that room would be a “high” bookcase in front of that door. Good and well done story, Nan. 🙂 — Suzanne
Great idea Suzanne! Just block it off until there is a safe stoop and stairs. Nan 🙂
Yikes! This photo has brought about many ill fated steps.
I like Dawn’s idea about the inner lock.
Ellespeth