I thought the stress of my recent divorce was overwhelming enough, but my new landlord would prove to be an even greater challenge. After uncovering his invasive daily activities, I was prepared to report him to the authorities. Fortunately, karma intervened and addressed the issue more effectively and poetically than I could have imagined.
Post-divorce, my life was in upheaval, both emotionally and financially. Separating from my husband after three years of marriage had drained my savings considerably, forcing me to settle for a less-than-ideal living situation. The only place I could afford was a small, dilapidated apartment that seemed to take me several steps back in my life’s journey rather than forward.
The apartment was overseen by Mr. Thompson, a landlord who exuded an unsettling aura from our very first meeting. At thirty-five, amidst the process of rebuilding my life, moving into this apartment felt like a regression. Yet, given my financial constraints, I had little choice in the matter.
Upon discussing the lease, Mr. Thompson laid down his primary condition for tenancy. He bizarrely insisted that I take care of his numerous houseplants. The apartment was practically overrun with flora; every nook and corner was occupied by greenery. It felt more like an indoor jungle than a living space.
“If you wish to reside here, you must attend to these plants,” he demanded, fixing me with a piercing stare.
Although overwhelmed by the sheer volume of vegetation, I agreed, figuring it was a manageable stipulation given my limited housing options.
Little did I know, this was just the tip of the iceberg regarding Mr. Thompson’s eccentricities. From the very first day, he began bombarding me with phone calls, obsessively inquiring about the well-being of his beloved plants.
“Did you water the ficus today?” he would ask frequently. “Make sure the spider plant is free of aphids,” and “Rotate the money plant to ensure it gets enough sunlight,” were among his constant reminders.
His relentless check-ins felt like I was enrolled in a strict botanical boot camp rather than simply renting an apartment.
One particularly tiring day, as I returned from work seeking solace in my private space, I received yet another call from Mr. Thompson.
“Miss Davis, did you remember to water the philodendron today?” His tone was filled with undue concern.
Exhausted, I assured him, “Yes, Mr. Thompson, it’s been watered.”
“And the peace lily? It seemed somewhat droopy last I checked,” he probed further.
“All plants are fine, Mr. Thompson. Everything’s taken care of,” I responded, my patience wearing thin.
He finally concluded the call, emphasizing, “You know how important these plants are to me.”
However, I soon began to notice strange occurrences that made me question my sanity. Items around my apartment seemed to mysteriously move—mail scattered, the remote control misplaced, and mugs rearranged. Initially, I dismissed these anomalies as forgetfulness, but the frequency of such incidents led me to suspect otherwise.
Determined to uncover the truth, I installed a discreet camera in my apartment, focusing on the main living area and entrance.
The anxiety of not knowing gnawed at me until I could review the footage. Upon returning home one day, I immediately checked the camera recordings and was shocked by the revelations.
The footage displayed Mr. Thompson using his key to enter my apartment during the day as if he owned the place. He meticulously tended to his plants but didn’t stop there; he rummaged through my personal belongings, lounged casually on my sofa, and even helped himself to my coffee.
Furious at this blatant invasion of privacy, I resolved to confront him armed with the incriminating evidence. I needed him to understand the severity of his actions.
Knocking on his door with the footage ready on my phone, I was met with his typically unnerving smile.
“Ah, Miss Davis, what can I do for you today?” he greeted, unaware of the storm brewing.
Cutting straight to the chase, I presented the video evidence. “Mr. Thompson, this is unacceptable. You’ve been entering my apartment without my permission. This stops now, or I’m going to the police.”
The color drained from his face as he watched the footage. Mumbling apologies, he promised to cease his intrusions. I left, hoping the threat alone would deter him, but karma had other plans.
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