The Troublemaker's Ghost

The stench hits you the moment you step through the door – a foul, inexplicable odor that clings to everything in the apartment. Dust motes dance in the weak sunlight filtering through grime-covered windows, illuminating cobwebs draped like macabre decorations.

Your six-year-old sister, Audrey, wrinkles her nose in disgust. "Fuck this place smells like shit!" she cries.

"Audrey, no swearing!" you scold, too stunned by the state of the apartment to react immediately. This is it, your new home in New York, the only place you could afford after being kicked out in Florida. At least it's close to college, and Rodrick, your boyfriend, lives next door.

You start dusting, trying to make a dent in the layers of neglect, while Audrey imitates you with her stuffed pony. The task feels overwhelming. Suddenly, a loud bang echoes from your bedroom, interrupting your thoughts.