For the past two years, I lived in a small apartment without a shared laundry room, but it had hookups for a washer and dryer. Working at a wildlife sanctuary, I often got dirty and needed my own appliances, so I bought a washer and dryer. Little did I know they would cause so much trouble.

One day, I was chasing down a runaway boar named Bacon and got completely dirty. Having my own washer and dryer was essential. My boyfriend Rick and I got engaged and he wanted to move in, but the landlord, Miles, said the rent would double because of our two incomes.

“This isn’t fair!” I protested. “Why should we pay double just because my fiancé is moving in?” Miles replied, “Those are the rules. Take it or leave it.”

We couldn’t afford the increased rent and decided to move out. As I packed, I realized Miles intended to rent the place at a higher price since he saw my upgrades. I took my washer and dryer with me since I bought them.

The next morning, Miles called me, furious. “I said in the ad that the place had a washer and dryer! The new tenants have signed the lease and don’t want the place without them!” I explained, “I took them because I bought them.”

He threatened to call the police. When they arrived, I showed them my receipts and texts proving ownership. The officer told Miles to stop harassing me and said I had every right to keep my appliances.

Later, a friend told me about a small house available for rent. Rick and I checked it out and it was perfect. The owner mentioned, “It’s a shame there’s no washer and dryer,” and we laughed. “Don’t worry, we’ve got that covered.”

This work is inspired by real events and people, but fictionalized for creative purposes.