CHAPT1: MOVE HOUSE

Lynda Stetson tapped her fingers against her desk, eyes scanning the screen in front of her. Page after page of rental listings filled her browser, each one promising a new beginning, a fresh start. She sighed, scrolling past houses that were either too expensive, too small, or just didn’t feel right.

She needed a change. Again.

The office buzzed around her—phones ringing, printers humming, the occasional burst of laughter from her coworkers. But she was too focused to notice until—

“Lynda.”

She jolted and quickly minimized the screen. Stella Kingston, her best friend and colleague, stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, one brow arched.

“What are you up to?” Stella asked, stepping into the room. Her sharp green eyes flicked to the monitor, and before Lynda could come up with an excuse, she smirked. “Don’t tell me—you’re looking for a new place. Again.”

Lynda groaned, rubbing her temples. “It’s not what it looks like.”

“Oh, please.” Stella rolled her eyes and pulled up a chair. “How many times does this make? Five? Six? You move more than anyone I know. What’s wrong with your current place?”

Lynda hesitated. She could list the reasons—the noisy neighbors, the leaky faucet, the fact that she never quite felt at home there. But the truth was simpler: she didn’t like staying in one place for too long. The idea of settling made her restless, like she was standing still when she should be chasing something… something more. Yet, as she stared at the listings, a thought crossed her mind—maybe this time would be different. Maybe this move would finally be the last.

She shrugged. “I just need a change.”

Stella sighed dramatically. “Of course, you do.”

Stella leaned back in her chair, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. She tapped her fingers against the desk, the familiar gesture of someone deep in thought. After a moment, she smirked, as if an idea had just struck her.

“You know what? I think I’ve got the perfect place for you,” Stella said, her voice bright with excitement.

Lynda looked up, raising an eyebrow. “Really? Because I’m running out of places that don’t scream ‘haunted’ or ‘haunted by bad choices.’”

Stella laughed, shaking her head. “No, no. This one is actually a decent find. It’s in a neighborhood you wouldn’t expect—right near some of the usual spots, but not too close, if you know what I mean. It's a bit... unexpected.”

Lynda raised an eyebrow, intrigued. “Unexpected how?”

“It’s a little tucked away from the more crowded areas, but still close to all the essentials. It’s not your typical ‘cookie-cutter’ house either. It’s got character, but in a good way,” Stella explained. “Oh, and the price is way better than most places you’re considering.”

Lynda frowned. “Is it one of your friend’s places? Or some random listing?”

“No, it’s not from anyone I know,” Stella replied, her voice a little less confident now. “But hear me out—it’s on this quiet street, kind of tucked in between other houses, and the house itself has this charm. I saw it last week and thought of you instantly. It’s still up for rent.”

Lynda wasn’t sure what to think. She trusted Stella, of course, but the idea of renting a place that wasn’t personally recommended made her a little uneasy. Still, there was something about the way Stella described it that intrigued her.

“Alright, show me. What’s the worst that could happen? I’ll add it to the list of potential disaster zones,” Lynda said, her usual sarcastic tone masking the curiosity bubbling beneath the surface.

Stella grinned, clearly pleased with Lynda’s response. She quickly pulled up the listing on her phone, swiping through a few photos.

“This place... It’s not too old. Not too new either. Just the right amount of lived-in. Big windows, a small yard, and the street is peaceful, even though it’s surrounded by other houses. The neighborhood’s quiet—except for some occasional kids playing, but it’s a good vibe overall. Trust me, you’ll like it.”

Lynda leaned in, studying the pictures on Stella’s phone. The house did have a certain charm. A cozy front porch, a warm color scheme, and the kind of rustic feel that made it feel lived-in, not forgotten.

“You know, I have to admit, this place doesn’t look half bad,” Lynda said after a pause. “Alright, fine. I’ll check it out. But if there’s a hidden basement with a few too many cobwebs, I’m blaming you.”

Stella chuckled, standing up from the chair. “Deal. And I’ll help you move in, of course. You know I’m always ready for a good packing and unpacking session.”

Lynda smiled, appreciating Stella’s willingness to help. Maybe, just maybe, this move would finally be the one that stuck.

-MOONHYE, YOUR WRITER-

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