The New Flat

Nora is looking for a flat. She started two weeks ago. On Saturday, she goes to see one with her brother, Leo. The building is old but clean, and the nearest bus stop is only a few minutes away.

Inside, Nora finds a bright bedroom, a small kitchen and a living room with wooden floors. The bedroom has enough space for a desk beside the window. The window is big enough for a lot of light.

Leo is more interested in practical things. He checks the taps. “Does the fridge come with the flat?” he asks. The owner says yes, but explains that Nora must bring her own washing machine. “Is the kitchen big enough for one?” Leo asks. “Yes, there is enough room,” the owner says.

They open the windows and listen. The street is quiet, and there is a supermarket on the next corner. From this flat, Nora can walk to work in twenty minutes. She does not need to pay for transport, so she has enough money for the rent.

On the way home, Leo says, “Check the monthly bills first.” She phones the owner to ask about them. Once she has the answer, she sends a message: “I would like to rent the flat.”