I slept in the bathtub.
When I checked into the cheapest motel I could find last night, I immediately realized it wasn't much. The disgusting room I was given seemed to coincide with the ridiculously cheap price. Dirty carpet, sheets, and mattress. A hole in the wall near the door. Suspicious stains on the ceiling and walls. The smell of alcohol and old cigarettes soaked into the carpet. I even went up to the front desk to request another room, but the slim fox in the office certainly wasn't having it. Surprisingly, the cleanest part of the room was the bathroom. I found cleaning spray and supplies under the sink. I cleaned the bathtub to the best of my ability and slept with a thin throw and neck pillow I had in one of my bags. I could only sleep for an hour or so at a time. When I was awake, I simply stared at the ceiling.
I woke up an hour ago and I'm still sitting in this damn tub. Sunlight shines through the raggedy blinds covering the window. My lack of sleep, alongside the mixed scents of cleaner and alcohol, have given me a raging headache. This morning certainly hasn't started on a great note. My meeting with Nook isn't until two o'clock this afternoon. It's not even nine in the morning yet. I groan and throw my head back, missing my pillow and cracking the back of my dome against the bathroom wall. I refrain from shouting swears as I climb out of the tub and return my things to my bag. After a painfully cold shower, I dress myself and stare into the mirror.
My hazel eyes have never seemed more tired. Last night's struggle has given me bags. I do my best to style my short brown hair into a quiff, failing as wet strands fall out of place on my forehead. I do my best to dry my hair with one of my towels and manage to make my hair presentable, at least. As much as I hate to say it, I don't have anywhere else to leave my bags. I certainly can't drag them around with me all day. I decide to leave them in the bathtub. I lock the bathroom door and the room door, bringing only my wallet and keys.
I manage to avoid making eye contact with the fox at the desk. He's busy rambling to a horse about a painting. I squint as I step into the sunlight. Fortunately, the motel is located near the beach. Nook's apartments are less than half a mile away. I just have to find something to do until it's time to meet him. I haven't eaten since yesterday afternoon and it's caught up to me. I walk out of the parking lot and onto the sidewalk. I see groups of people and animals already making their way to the shore. I notice a rather burly grey bear carrying several beach chairs on his back. The girl beside him, a human, cheerfully carries blankets. They smile as they look at each other. Perhaps they're dating?
I head to a small diner down the street. Hopefully I don't walk in there smelling like cigarettes...
...
Several hours later and I'm awaiting Nook's arrival. It's one-thirty now. I'm sitting on a bench near the lot of Nook's apartment complex, anxiously bouncing my leg. There are four levels to the complex. The exterior of the building is white. A large window runs down the length of the left side of the building, allowing the stairwell visibility. Each room on this side of the building has a small black balcony and access to a fire escape. After a few minutes of staring at the building, I see a white SUV pull into the lot. The words "Nook's Homes" are on the side, as well as a few phone numbers.
"There's my man," I mumble as I make my way over to Nook's car. He steps out and greets me with a smile. "Early as well," he says. "I like that." He opens his arms and waves a hand through the air, motioning to his complex.
"I noticed you were more interested in my apartments from the get-go," he says. "Are you a city person, by chance?"
"Yes sir," I say. "I most recently lived in Finkene."
"Oho, that's quite a metropolis. Far from Oraton—literally and figuratively!"
Nook chuckles and leads me toward the building with an arm around my shoulder. As we head toward the doors of the front lobby, my gaze drifts upward. On one of the balconies of the fourth level, a light grey wolf leans against his window, arms crossed. He watches us walk along for at least a minute. I shudder a bit.
"Normally I'd get Lyle or one of my other associates to do these sorts of meetings. " says Nook. "I have quite a lot of business to tend to, you see, so I always feel as if my methods are impersonal."
"That's reasonable, though," I say.
"Perhaps. Anyway, I had to make an exception to meet you, Don. I've never been contacted by Rover directly unless it's something worth my time. Rover's always been a splendid young man. I'm inclined to believe you are, as well."
"That's flattering, really." I smile at Nook, earning a warm beam from the older tanuki.
"We can finish our talk another time, though. I believe it's time for business, yes?"
Nook and I make our way to an office behind the reception desk. He takes a seat and logs into a computer. I sit across from him, bouncing my legs once again. Nook's eyes dart from side to side. I can just barely see the reflection of the monitor in his blue eyes. After a few moments of "hms", "hums", and impatient clicks of the mouse, Nook turns the computer monitor toward me.
"I've five vacancies," he says. "Two on the first floor, one on the second and third, and another on the fourth. All my homes come fully furnished."
He points to the screen. It displays the floor plans of each available apartment. Each apartment is identical, save for the third-floor vacancy. That plan has only one bathroom, but with a slightly larger kitchen area. Then he lists what is and isn't allowed in the complex.
"Do you have any idea of which plan you'd like to go see first?" asks Nook.
"The third-level plan caught my eye," I say. "I'd like to see that one before anything."
Nook nods and mumbles to himself as he stands. He grabs a folder and heads to a back room to retrieve a key. He thanks me for my patience and leads me to the elevator. As we ascend, the image of that wolf watching me burns itself into my mind. I don't know what it is, but it makes me shudder again. He was probably just getting some fresh air and happened to glance down. It's not every day that you see one of the biggest businessmen in town walk around with some random guy. Still, the way he stared...
I close my eyes and push the thought from my mind. I follow Nook out of the elevator and down the hall. We stop at the door numbered three-zero-seven. Nook unlocks it and ushers me inside. The living area is openly connected to the kitchen. A black leather sofa and recliner face the wall, with the sliding glass door to the balcony on the right. There's a black coffee table in the middle of the living room. The light grey carpet of the room meets the black hardwood floor of the dining area and kitchen. The kitchen has white marble countertops. There is one storage closet. The walls of the apartment are a medium grey. Nook smiles and folds his hands together as I explore. I open the door to the left of the entrance. It's a bedroom. The provided bed is a king-size. There's a small walk-in closet that connects to the bathroom. I exit the room and walk back into the common area.
"How do we feel about this one?" Nook asks.
I nod and smile. "Honestly, it's pretty much perfect."
Nook smiles and chuckles. He sets his folder back in to the crook of his arm. "I'm glad you think so. I'd say this home has everything, but I can't, really. No washing machine or dryers in here. Each floor has its own common laundry room. Will that be okay?"
"Of course. Reminds me a bit of college dorms. Nothing I'm not used to."
Nook smiles again. "Are you sure you don't want to look at the other vacancies, just in case?"
"I'm fine, sir, thank you. I'm quite happy with this one."
The old tanuki nods. He locks the apartment again and we make our way to the elevator. It's time to delve into the world of business—also known as the world of paperwork, contracts, and rent. After an hour more of discussion with Nook, I've signed a lease and paid a security deposit. Thank heavens for my savings over the past few years or I'd be dangerously low on bells. Working during college and in between semesters was smart. The first time I moved after college, I ended up in a bad financial situation in Finkene because I tried to do things without breaking into my savings. Thankfully, I've loosened up. My mother has been adamant about sending me what she can, too, even though I insist she doesn't. I'm quite grateful.
"I knew there was something special about you, my boy." Nook says as he leans back in his chair and crosses his arms. "Most people tend to drag things out. You got straight to business and you've been polite the whole time."
"I like to be concise as possible when it comes to things like this," I explain. "I know people don't want their time wasted."
"You're quite considerate. I'm glad Rover sent you. We've barely known each other for a full twenty-four hours and you're already off to a better start than most people I've met in my entire life."
"I aim to stay on your good side, sir. You're very welcoming. I don't want that to be for nothing."
"As long as you stay on top of payments, rules, and honesty, we'll be just fine. Now, I believe we're done for the day. You should return to the town hall when you have a chance. The mayor's secretary will need your new address to update your records."
"Do you know everyone in town, sir? It seems like most people here got word that I was coming."
He laughs and taps his chest. "Oh, no. I'm acquainted with almost every major business owner in town, as well as public services. I've been here for a very long time, but I'm not omnipotent. Housing, public records, and things like that are more closely related than you'd think, so I keep people up to date. That's how Isabelle knew to expect you. She's always been a sweet girl. Proficient in her line of work. In fact, I believe you two are around the same age? How old are you, my boy?"
"Twenty-two, sir."
"Ah, I see. She may be a year or two older. She's a hard worker. She used to be quite timid, but she's become bold and strong with her experience. She's had trouble with the mayor for a while. Regardless, she gets her job done. Don't forget to visit her sometime soon."
"Will do, sir. Thank you very much."
"It's my pleasure, Don. Feel free to call me 'Tom'."
I hope Nook is as kind when I end up moving in the future. Like Rover mentioned, I never plan on staying in one city for too long. The longest I've stayed in one place was Finkene, ironically. It started off as a disaster but things came together. Stayed there for two and a half years.
I finally bid Nook farewell with a handshake. The receptionist in the front lobby, a human woman, eyes me as I pass her. "You're quite a sweet-talker," she says. "Don't get on Tom's bad side." I give her a forced smile and bite my lip as I exit the building. I start off toward the motel. It's six in the evening. The sky is beginning to melt into a creamy orange and purple, accented by fluffy clouds made fiery by the evening glow. I waste no time in clearing my belongings out of the motel. After checking out, I hear the fox call to me.
"Thank you for choosing Redd's Motel! Come stay with us again!"
"Fat chance!" I reply with a rather rude snicker as I head back down the sidewalk. I return to the apartment complex and head up to the third floor. I unlock the door to my new home and step inside. After I've moved my possessions inside and have sorted them into their appropriate places, I step out onto my balcony. The colorful, fiery sky has settled into a dark night. I can see stars twinkle above as clouds pass by, constantly changing shape. It's a bit windy.
I take a deep breath and close my eyes, inhaling the salty scent of the ocean. I call Rover.
"Evening," he says, yawning.
"Did you just wake up?" I ask, laughing.
"Maybe..." he grumbles. "Naps are quite nice."
"Anyway, I sorted things out! I'm standing on the balcony of my new apartment."
"Good on you, Donder. I'm glad things went well. Tom messaged me before I fell asleep. He told me he likes you a lot."
"Don't call me that again or I'll kill you, Ro."
My best friend laughs his nasally laugh at me, distorted by the phone call. "Can't do much through the phone, Donder. We aren't kids anymore, but the names never die!"
"Just wait until you come to visit. I'm gonna embarrass you."
"The beaches of Oraton won't know what hit 'em when we get together. Don't wait around for me to visit, though. Get out there and make some new friends! That town is full of people!"
"I'll need some friends, but I have things to take care of first! I'm gonna be busy."
"That's right. My little Donder is a bum and needs a job!"
Rover and I pick at each other for a while until we decide we've had enough. He reminds me to tell my mother about my successful move-in in order to prepare for moving some of my possessions from my old place in the city. We wish each other goodnight. I pocket my phone and tap the railing of my balcony in glee. I glance up toward the moon as a grin stretches across my face. Today went better than I could've expected. I managed to make a great impression on Tom Nook and get moved into my new home on my second day in Oraton. Things have started wonderfully. I text my mother to notify her of the day's events. She tells me that she's off of work this Saturday and arranges to bring some of my belongings from Finkene.
I glance down toward the other balconies of the complex. A few people are standing on theirs, either playing music or watching traffic. I look up toward the level above me. A few balconies to my right, on the fourth level, I spot him. My heart skips a beat. The grey wolf is leaning on the railing of his balcony, staring out toward the shore. I watch him silently for a few minutes until he glances down toward me. I jump, but we lock eyes. We stare at each other for a few moments, although it seems like eternity. His fur ruffles lightly in the breeze. He releases his grip on the railing and puts a hand on his hip. He nods at me. I nod in reply. He turns back to the shore. I head inside and close the sliding glass door. I've almost had two heart attacks because of him.
His stare makes me feel so tiny. Perhaps his scrutiny is an unwritten part of my lease. Curse you, Tom Nook. You never told me that each home comes with an intimidating neighbor! I chuckle to myself and take a seat in the recliner. The silence of the apartment is broken by the distinctive squeak of leather. I become antsy as I shift around in the chair. Part of me wants to go straight to sleep, but I could use something to eat. I feel the lurking urge to get out and see a bit of Lower Town. As I get up, I hear a knock at my door. I walk softly to it and look through the peephole. It's two wolves. A brown one in a leather jacket and the grey one from before in a bomber. The grey's a bit buff. More muscular than I noticed.
I swallow hard and open the door. "Y-Yes...?" I ask, leaning on the door frame.
"Hi!" pipes the brown wolf, in a somewhat high-pitched voice. "We heard you were the new move-in. We never see anyone hangin' around with Nook himself, so we came to introduce ourselves and give you a welcome, alpha."
He smiles a toothy smile, his tail wagging slightly.
"That's very nice of you," I say, grinning. I glance at the grey wolf. His bright yellow eyes are fixed on me.
"I've seen you around a few times, cha-chomp." He has a deep, gruff voice. A bit monotone. "My roommate insisted we introduce ourselves to the new neighbor."
A faint smile tugs at the corner of his muzzle, although he's still studying me up and down. I feel a bit of my nervousness wash away. I return the smile.
"I'm Kyle," says the brown wolf, "and this here's my buddy Fang!"
Fang nods at me.
"I'm Donovan," I say. "It's nice to meet you guys."
"It's nice to have a name for the face I've had staring contests with today," says Fang.
"Indeed it is."
Kyle nudges Fang. Fang extends his arm, holding a small gift bag out to me.
"Oh geez," I say, "you guys didn't need to do anything like this!"
"Don't worry one bit," says Kyle, pridefully. "I always give housewarming gifts. It's nothing big. Just a few baked goods."
"Thank you! Really, this is great!"
His smile stretches from ear to ear. His tail is wagging a bit faster now.
"I'm glad you guys caught me," I say. "I was just about to leave and get something to eat. Maybe explore town a bit. I've never been to Oraton 'til now."
"If you ever need a quick bite to eat, I definitely recommend The Roost," says Kyle. "Best café in Oraton."
"The Roost... Yeah, I heard about that place yesterday. Heard they were hiring."
"Oh, you're interested?! I work there!"
"Really? Can you tell me what they're looking for?"
"Right now, one other guy and I work the drinks during the day. We have others in the kitchen. Brewster, the owner, takes over the counter at night. My co-worker wants to switch to night shifts with Brewster, so you'd probably get put on the drink counter during the day."
"So I'm guessing that'd be with you?"
"Most likely. My co-worker says I'm annoying..." Kyle looks to the side for a moment, but his smile never fades. "So, if you did get the job, you'd be working with me. I'm sure Brewster would take my guy on for the night shift."
"I'd be fine with that," I say. "The Roost was the first place I was recommended to look for work. You seem like a cool guy, anyway."
"Wait 'til you live with him..." mumbles Fang. "Always has to talk about something." Kyle shushes him playfully. They both chuckle.
I can definitely see the dynamic between the two of them. They both have droopy eyelids-Fang's more noticeable than Kyle's. They seem to be opposites. One is a go-getter and the other is much more reserved. Reminds me of Rover and me. I get the feeling that Kyle and I are around the same age, but I'm certain Fang is older than both of us.
Kyle's tired eyes light up again and he smiles. "I can talk to Brewster tomorrow. He's gonna be in for the morning to do some paperwork in the back. I can get you an application, and since there's only the two of us, I'm pretty sure I could get you an interview the same day!"
My grin breaks into a full smile. "That would be amazing, man! This is perfect!"
I glance at Fang. He nods at me and smiles at Kyle's enthusiasm. "Kyle has a way with words. Some of us find him a bit of a blabbermouth, but he knows how to persuade like it's nothing."
"You guys have really made my night. I feel great right now."
"Heh, I guess you're getting more out of this housewarming gift than you bargained for." says Kyle.
"Trust me, I am not complaining. You two are awesome."
Kyle's tail wags as he and I chat on and on for a while. Fang eventually manages to steer the conversation toward a "goodnight". I exchange contact information with the two of them. Kyle tells me that he'll talk to this Brewster guy first thing in the morning. If things work out, I'll have landed a home and job within my first three days of living in Oraton. I'll have to visit Isabelle in the town hall again, soon. I head to my bedroom and slip under the same thin throw I used this morning. I can feel excitement churning in my stomach. I stare at the ceiling and grin. I haven't felt this on top of things in a very long time. I woke up in a bathtub this morning and now I'm going to sleep in my new bed.
It's a big change, and it feels damn good.