Chapter 7– She Refuse To Break 

Two days after being discharged from the hospital, Luna woke up feeling slightly better than she had the previous morning.

Her body was still weak, and the bruises had not completely faded, but at least she could move around without feeling like she might collapse.When she stepped out of her bedroom, the smell of freshly cooked food greeted her.

She stopped.

Marcus was in the kitchen.

He stood beside the stove, preparing the last part of breakfast as if he belonged there.Luna looked around the apartment and realized something else.

The place was clean.

The dishes that had been sitting in the sink were gone. The clothes she had left scattered around had been folded, and even the small living room had been tidied.

“You cleaned?” she asked.

Marcus glanced at her.

“You needed the rest.”

“And you decided to clean my entire apartment?”

“It wasn't exactly an entire apartment.”

Luna shook her head, but a small smile appeared on her face.

Marcus placed a plate on the table.

“Sit, let's get something in your belly.”

“Okayyyy….”.she sat down.

For a while, neither of them said much. Luna ate slowly while Marcus made sure she finished enough food.Afterward, he checked the time and picked up his jacket.

“I have to get back to the diner.”

Luna looked at him.

“You've already done enough,thank you.”Marcus shrugged.

“Just take care of yourself.”He walked toward the door.

“And don't try to do everything by yourself,” he added.

Luna gave him a tired smile.

“I'll try.”

Marcus opened the door.

“I'll come by later.”

Then he left.

Luna remained standing by the door for a few seconds after he was gone.She was grateful for him.More grateful than she could explain.But she also knew she couldn't depend on Marcus forever.

She returned to the living room and began slowly putting away the few things he had left out.She had barely finished when someone knocked on the door.

Luna frowned.

She wasn't expecting anyone.When she opened it, her landlord was standing outside.

His face was serious.

“Good afternoon,” Luna greeted politely.

He barely returned the greeting.

“I came to check on you.”

“I've been discharged.”

“I can see that.”His eyes moved around the apartment before returning to her.

“Your rent is due tomorrow”.Luna's expression changed.She had been so focused on recovering that she hadn't allowed herself to think about it.

“Tomorrow?”

“Yes.”

The landlord's voice was cold.

“I gave you enough time because you were in the hospital. I didn't come here to disturb you while you were sick.”

Luna lowered her gaze.

“I understand.”

“Now you're back home, so I need my money.”

She swallowed.

“I'll try to get it.”The man's expression hardened.

“Don't tell me you'll try. Tell me you'll pay.”

Luna didn't answer.

She knew the truth.

She didn't have the money.The hospital expenses was covered by Marcus her boss.

“I'll pay you,” she finally said.The landlord stared at her for a moment.

“I hope so.”He turned to leave but stopped at the doorway.

“I don't want to come here tomorrow and start moving your things outside.”

Luna's eyes widened.

“Please, sir. Give me a little more time if I can't get everything tomorrow.”

He turned back to her.

“I already gave you time.”His voice was completely unsympathetic.

“I have other tenants waiting for rooms. I can't keep holding a place for someone who can't pay.”

Luna felt her chest tighten.

“I understand.”

“Good.”

He walked away.Luna slowly closed the door,she leaned against it and shut her eyes.

Tomorrow.

She had until tomorrow.She walked to the small table in the living room and opened her purse.She counted the money she had left,then counted it again.

It wasn't enough.

Not even close.

Luna stared at the few bills in her hands, her heart sinking.If she couldn't find the rest of the money by tomorrow, she would lose the only place she had left.

She looked around the small apartment.

It wasn't much.

But it was home.

The thought of seeing her belongings thrown outside made her stomach twist.She picked up her phone and stared at Marcus's name.

He had already helped her so much.

Could she really ask him for money too?

Her thumb hovered over his name.

Then she slowly lowered the phone.

“No,” she whispered.

She couldn't keep depending on him.

But as the afternoon passed, one terrifying thought became impossible to ignore.

**Where was she going to get the rent before tomorrow?**