The following Monday, the exterminator arrives, a no-nonsense professional who assures us that the rat problem can be solved. He sets to work, laying traps and sealing potential entry points, his efficiency a stark contrast to our landlord’s dismissive attitude.
As he works, my wife and I stand together, watching, a sense of hope slowly replacing the anxiety that has been our constant companion.
“This should do the trick,” the exterminator says, his tone confident.
We thank him, feeling a weight lift off our shoulders, though we know there are still challenges ahead.
With the rat problem being addressed, my wife and I find ourselves with more energy to focus on each other, to communicate openly about the things we’ve been avoiding.
It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s a step in the right direction, a reminder that even small actions can lead to change.
As we settle into bed that night, the silence feels different—less oppressive, more like a calm before a new beginning.
We lie there, side by side, and for the first time in a long while, I feel hopeful about the future.
Note: This story is a work of fiction inspired by real events. Names, characters, and details have been altered.
