Rent Control

After I confess my rent to the two ladies from Long Island (the daughter of one of them standing off to the side watching, smiling) one of them laughs. "I can top that," she says. "Six bedroom apartment, Upper East Side, he's was born there...," she starts

"He's been living there since 1944," the other chimes in.

"...and when his parents died, he got the apartment for what they were paying and he still pays only," her voice drops to almost a whisper, "a hundred forty-four dollars a month."

--------------

One year ago: Secondhand Communion

Two years ago: Old Salt

Three years ago: Lost Pen

Four years ago: Rumors of the Real World

Seven years ago: What More Do You Want From Me? A Cookie?