The Woman Who Lived in the Living Room

5

The woman was about more than 50 years old, wearing a colorful dress and a gaudy silk scarf around her neck. She had a strong back and thick legs. She applied heavy makeup to her face, and her lips were bright red.

As she entered the room, she was stunned to see the two of us, and then her expression returned to normal.

"Yvonne, is this your classmate?" The woman's voice was shrill.

"Hello," I immediately stood up and explained, "No, I'm not. I've just moved into the master bedroom—"

"Mom, I just took a shower and my legs were cramping. It hurt so much. Fortunately, he was here to help me," Yvonne interrupted and explained.

"Took a shower?" The middle-aged woman's eyes swept over Yvonne and me. "Didn't I tell you not to use the bathroom in the master bedroom?"

"Do you think I like to use it? You know the reason," said Yvonne angrily.

Ignoring Yvonne, the middle-aged woman turned to me with a smile and asked, "Young man, what's your name?"

I said, "Zack Duncan."