I pulled the page down.
Then read.
Wake up at 5:00 a.m.
Clean all three floors before breakfast.
Do not use household groceries without permission.
Maintain lawn and landscaping weekly.
Pick children up from school every afternoon.
Handle trash and recycling.
Prepare your own meals.
Do not invite guests.
Laundry on Tuesdays only.
Keep personal belongings inside assigned room.
I read the list twice.
Then folded it neatly.
Vanessa watched me.
“Any problems?”
“No.”
“You understand the rent is due on the first?”
“Yes.”
“Two thousand.”
“Yes.”
She smiled.
“Good.”
I put the paper into my shirt pocket.
Then carried my bags inside.
That evening, Ethan came home.
He hugged me quickly.
“Settling in?”
“Yes.”
He glanced toward the staircase.
“Room okay?”
“It has a bed.”
He laughed.
“Dad.”
“What?”
“You know what I mean.”
“I do.”
He lowered his voice.
“Vanessa likes structure.”
I stared at him.
“Apparently.”
He looked uncomfortable.
