The House My Parents Gave Me—and What I Turned It Into

and probably leaked behind walls I couldn’t see yet.

The bathroom was a horror show of cracked tile and black mold. The bedrooms were small and dark, with windows painted shut and carpet that squelched when you stepped on it.

I sat on the one porch step that didn’t give way beneath me, opened the notebook I always carry, and did what I’ve always done continue reading …