It had seemed like a good idea then. Just a few months over the summer, for a years rent and tuition. You’d slept around before, so, what’s the difference really? Why not get a little something out of it? After all, you’d seen the pictures of the house, seen the list of duties. It wasn’t too much. Groceries would be delivered weekly.
Still, when the contract came in the post, as the ink dried in front of you, as you slipped it into the box to be returned… a little prickle of anxiety began to build. As the days crawled past it began to take root, building into butterflies. You checked the mail every day as instructed, and a little wash of warm relief spread over you every time it the box was empty.
You started to wonder if it was all a joke, a prank maybe? After all, who would rent a woman like this? You told yourself this, every morning, as you opened the mailbox, until you believed it.
Until you were certain.
Until you saw it.
Your heart leapt into your mouth. Inside the envelope a letter, and another, smaller package. The letter was made of thick, yellow paper, and handwritten. It addressed you by name.