FOR THREE YEARS, MY LANDLORD NEVER DEPOSITED A SINGLE RENT CHECK I WROTE—WHEN I FINALLY ASKED HIM WHY, HE PLACED A SHOEBOX IN MY HANDS

**GARAGE APARTMENT FOR RENT. PALMER STREET. $800. ASK FOR ALVAREZ.**

The apartment sat behind an old blue house.

It had one bedroom, a tiny kitchen, and a floor that sloped slightly near the bathroom.

The refrigerator hummed constantly, and the kitchen window overlooked a row of tomato plants.

To me, it looked like safety.

Trixie ran straight into the bedroom.continue reading …