Chapter 1: The Free Couch
“Free couch. No bed bugs. Pickup only,” Tyler read from his phone. It was 11 p.m.
“Dude, no,” I said. I’m Mark. “Nobody gives away a clean couch for free. That’s serial killer 101.”
Tyler rolled his eyes. “Relax. It’s from Freecycle. See? Five-star reviews.” He showed me the app. User: @Dave_87. “He just wants it gone tonight. Says he’s moving.”
Our apartment had zero furniture except air mattresses. We were broke college kids.
“Fine,” I said. “But we leave if it’s sketchy.”
@Dave_87’s place was a basement unit. No windows. Smelled like bleach and pennies.
Dave was 40s, skinny, too much eye contact. “You boys strong? It’s heavy.”
The couch was mint condition. Leather. Zero stains.
“Why’s it free?” I asked.
Dave smiled. No teeth showed. “My… roommate… didn’t need it anymore.”
May you like
We loaded it. As we left, Dave called out: “Don’t flip the cushions. Ever.”
Tyler laughed. “Okay, Mr. Creepy.”
In the car, I got a text from an unknown number:
“You shouldn’t have taken it.”
To be continued…
