Vignette Summary: Newly 18, Misty is instructed to find a man and marry him, so she can have a daughter.

Tags: Meet-Cute/Doomed Relationship

Word Count: 5,514

CW: Mentions of chronic dieting and body insecurity.

Date: Wednesday, January 13th, 1988

Time: 3:27 pm

Location: A1 Hardware, Los Tokyo

Misty was born on New Year's Day, 1970, something her mother, Mystic Ami the Seventh, always said was a good omen. Not only was she born on the first day of the calendar year, but she was born in a year that ended in zero and in a year that had a seven in it.

Misty wasn't as well versed in the numerology as her mother, but she did like having a birthday like hers. As a new year turned over, so did a year in her life. It also made counting so easy. She was one in 1971, two in 1972, and so on and so forth.

One day that was always primed for special significance in Misty's life was January 1st, 1988. An important day for any person, becoming an adult, but of greater importance in Kurain Village. Kurain Village was founded on tradition and necessitated the birth of daughters to continue its functions. As such, the women were instructed to marry off and bear daughters as soon as possible.

Misty was the youngest of six but one of only two daughters. Since Misty's mother Ami was the Master, that meant that Misty and her older sister Morgan bore the lineage responsibility fully lest the title be given to a branch family. Her brothers, by contrast, all left the Village the moment they turned 18.

For men, 18 had significance, but for different reasons. While women became tasked with new responsibilities, for men it was their time to abandon all traditions and leave the Village behind. Not by decree, that's just how things worked out. As some of the more misandrist villagers joked, men were like veal. Not worth raising and an unfortunate byproduct of a necessary process.

In some ways, as the second daughter, Misty was luckier. It was a lot of responsibility to be the Master and Morgan had to undergo more arduous training and was put under immense pressure from the moment she was born.

In other ways, it was demeaning. Never could Misty forget that she was "the spare." Morgan's back up in case some tragedy occurred, or Morgan was cursed with inadequate powers. Misty knew her whole life that this was her reason for existing. It took five tries for Ami to get the daughter she needed and six to get her insurance policy.

For that reason, at Misty's debut, Ami was less precious about the man Misty selected to bear her children. Ami instructed her to go out to the city and find any man who was non-violent and would agree to live in the Village and start a family. The other details didn't matter.

The first condition was added after a few bad incidents. Finding a man willing to live in Kurain Village, knowing full well how it functioned, was challenging. So, many women tried to withhold the truth. Usually, this dishonesty ended in divorce but, sometimes, it ended in violence from the more unsavory of men, who became enraged upon learning the truth. Oftentimes, the men who agreed to this arrangement weren't the most well-adjusted.

By contrast, Morgan was instructed to find a man of high value, with political or monetary power, who could form a dominant alliance as Master and first gentleman. When Morgan made her debut a year and a half earlier, she began courting the son of a wealthy jeweler and they were primed to marry soon.

The whole process intimidated Misty. She grew up mostly around women and almost all the men and boys she did know were related to her. The prospect of finding some stranger, marrying him, and doing that with him was terrifying. She learned the mechanics at a relatively young age, but never had the opportunity to gradually build her comfort with relationships. There was no opportunity for movie theater handholding, spin the bottle first kisses, and clumsy slow dances. It was trial by fire.

The day after Misty's 18th birthday, Ami spent the afternoon primping Misty for a drive to the city. When Misty turned 17, she was asked to obtain her driver's license and she passed a few months earlier, in preparation for this day.

While Kurha'inese women were versed in ornate dressing and makeup for special ceremonies, Ami had purchased some fashion magazines so she could learn the current trends of the outside world and her daughters would fit in. She bought an array of modern dresses for Misty, straightened her raven hair, and adorned her with costume jewelry. She glossed her lips red, curled her eyelashes, and painted her face with foundation and blush.

Once she was done, Ami directed Misty towards a full-length mirror. "What do you think?"

Misty looked at herself curiously. "Mother, I look so... different."

"You look perfect, my dear. Exactly what men are looking for."

Misty examined her bare legs, her heeled feet, and the modest cleavage of her dress's sweetheart neckline. She felt so exposed without the comfort and coverage of her kimono. "This is what men want?"

Ami nodded. "Japanifornian men, yes."

Misty swallowed. She hadn't begun her mission yet, but already the whole experience felt so vulgar. She didn't know if she wanted anything to do with Japanifornian men if this is what they wanted. "Where am I to go first, Mother?"

Ami pulled out a folded piece of paper and some reading glasses from her satchel. "You need to go where the men are. I've compiled a list." She donned her glasses and began reading. "Sports games, bowling alleys, concerts, pool halls, clubs, bars, men's clothing stores, sport equipment stores, grocery stores, and hardware stores."

Misty nodded. "Okay."

"Unfortunately, you're still too young to go to bars, clubs, pool halls, and some concerts. I've been told that these are some of the best places. You'll have to try one of the others."

"What do you recommend? Is one of those places where you met Father?"

Ami shook her head. "No, he was on a visit here from the home country." She smiled. "Our situation was a unique one."

Misty's father died about five years after she was born, and Ami still looked upon him fondly. The only men viewed more highly than the few who stayed were the ones who died young, before they could run away or disappoint anyone. However, Ami's marriage was one of the rare unions that would have succeeded if it wasn't cut short.

"Of course. Shall I go to a sports game?"

"I think that's an excellent choice. I read that there's a football game in the city this evening. You'll need to purchase a ticket and watch the game."

"Then, what do I do?"

"Just sit and be your darling self. I didn't make you so pretty for nothing."

Misty smiled shyly and nodded back. While she wouldn't be the Master, she took some vain pleasure in being regarded as the great beauty of the Village. Morgan was pretty too, but this was the one advantage Misty had. It didn't offer much prestige in a village populated with women, but she thought it would be useful now.

That evening, Misty drove to the football stadium to attend the game Ami mentioned. She white-knuckled the drive through the crowded stadium parking lot, trying to find a spot while avoiding pedestrians, and waited in line to buy a ticket. Then, she sat in the upper bowl, hoping someone would approach her.

While she got some interested glances and double takes, most of which she didn't notice, no one approached the unusual and elaborately dressed young woman who was sitting by herself, visibly perplexed by what she was watching, and rubbing her arms to try and stay warm.

While Misty had been to the city before from time to time, her excursions were short and mostly indoors. Her mother told her that the city was much warmer than Kurain Village and that she wouldn't need a jacket, but she found that was not the case at an outdoor stadium in the evening. In reality, Ami knew that, but a jacket would have covered up her workmanship.

After an unsuccessful first excursion, Misty tried a hockey game and a basketball game to no avail. She went to a menswear store next, which presented different issues. The women who frequented these stores were generally shopping for their partners and husbands. While she didn't have a ring, any interested male shoppers assumed she was taken. She just flitted around the store, looking at pants, ties, and belts before ultimately heading back home.

Her success came from a hardware superstore. She entered, list in hand, so she could ask someone for help and hopefully start a conversation. Initially, she found that her luck was much of the same. The crowd was noticeably different than the other venues but most of the men she saw were accompanied by partners or kids, buying items for their home renovation projects. The solo men generally had wedding rings and the ones who didn't were significantly older than her.

After walking around the store for about 20 minutes, pretending to look at the displays, she was approached by a man, clad in a tan khaki apron, light wash blue jeans, a navy crewneck sweater, and a name tag that read "Sean."

"Can I help you find anything, miss?" he asked.

She looked him up and down before staring at him, analyzing. He had a mop of wavy chestnut brown hair, blue-gray eyes, and some light freckles scattered across his face. He was about average height, clean-shaven, and smiling politely. Misty was not good with ages, although she guessed that he was older than her but still age appropriate.

When sent on her mission, the idea was always for her to meet a customer or patron. Marrying a worker had never crossed her mind but, looking at him, she wondered if this was a better strategy.

She stared at him for a little too long without responding and he became self-conscious. So, he looked behind him to determine if she was really looking elsewhere. When he saw nothing out of the ordinary, he spoke again. "Uh, are you okay?"

She shook her head out of her daze. "S-sorry. I'm not sure. My mother gave me this list but, I don't really know what I'm looking for."

"Do you mind if I take a look?"

She nodded and held out the list. Rather than grabbing it, he leant down and read it from her extended hand.

He laughed. "That's an interesting assortment you have there, but I think I know where to find everything. Follow me."

"Thank you."

He got her a basket and led her through various aisles, finding the products on her list. At certain times, he requested exact specifications, but she didn't know how to answer, so he guessed. Ami wrote the list, none of the items were actually needed back home, and, even if they were, Misty wasn't particularly handy.

"Do you need anything else?" he asked, after placing the last item in her basket.

She shook her head. "No, I think that's everything. Thank you very much, sir."

He smirked. He wasn't used to the customers calling him "sir." "No problem, just part of the job."

"Well, you've been really helpful." She frowned. "Most people in this city aren't that nice."

"Yeah, Los Ang-, uh, Los Tokyo, isn't always the friendliest city, but you'll get used to it. Did you just move here?"

"No, I live almost two hours away, but my mother has asked me to run some more errands for her in the city, as of late."

"Did she also ask you to go to the club after?"

"I beg pardon?"

"I was just making a joke. Your outfit... it's a little... fancy for a trip to the hardware store."

Misty blushed. She had felt out of place since her very first outing, but she didn't want to argue with her mother nor suggest more casual attire. Misty assumed that the outfits Ami devised for her had probably worked better for Morgan's outings.

She didn't have a good explanation for her extravagant appearance so responded to his joke instead. "No, I'm only 18."

"Oh. So, a couple years before you can do that. On the bright side, when I was your age, the drinking age was 21. You won't have to wait quite as long."

"Yes, I suppose you're right." Misty hoped that she'd be successful with her mission soon and never have to set foot in a bar or club.

There was an awkward pause. "Well, anyway, there are a couple people up at the cash who can help you check out."

Misty was at a loss for what to do. He was trying to send her away, but she had to get to know him better. "Just one more thing! … Please."

"What's that?"

Misty hesitated. She was always told that the man would do this part. Something about male pride. "I would like to see the city more. Could you... would you show me around?"

His eyes widened. "Uh..." He laughed in surprise. "Like... a date?"

"Well, if, I suppose... yes. If you want to."

He thought for a moment. This girl was so strange and so young. He wasn't opposed to an age gap, per se, so long as both parties were of age, but she didn't exactly seem like a worldly 18-year-old.

She was gorgeous though and by God if she didn't stand out from the regular patrons of this store. He was intrigued and figured it probably wouldn't lead anywhere anyway. "Can't say I've had this happen before but sure."

"Okay."

There was another awkward pause and, once again, he broke the silence. "Do you want my number or... what were you thinking?"

"Are you free today?"

He chuckled. "Yeah, today works. I don't get off work until five though."

"I can come back."

"Okay. Where did you want to go?"

"I don't know. What would you recommend?"

They didn't have time to explore all of Los Tokyo that evening, so he decided to start small. "There's a coffee shop near here. Want to go there?"

"I'm not sure." Misty didn't like coffee and the thought of drinking a whole cup of it repulsed her. She didn't want to ruin this opportunity though. "Do they serve other drinks there?" she asked hesitantly.

The answer to her question seemed obvious, so he assumed she must have had an alternate meaning. "Like alcohol?"

"No, like tea?"

He couldn't help but laugh again. Where did this girl come from? She was like an alien. "Yeah, they have tea there."

"Then, okay."

He checked his watch. "Great. I'll meet you out front in about an hour."

"See you soon." She started to leave but turned around and blurted out, "I'm Misty Fey!" She felt so improper. She had a date set, but she didn't even know his full name.

"Sean Nolan," he replied.

"Nice to meet you." Misty started bowing before catching herself and stopping.

He grinned. "You too."

He gave her a polite wave and she waved back before heading to the cash register and to her car. She wasn't familiar with the area, so just waited anxiously in the driver's seat until he finished his shift.

She was at the front doors by 5 pm sharp, and he walked out a few minutes later to greet her, sans apron and name tag, but plus a colorful windbreaker. "Hi, again. You look nice."

Misty looked at him, confused. "I'm dressed the same as before."

"I know. Just a joke since we met less than two hours ago." He chuckled. "Obviously, not a good joke if I have to explain it."

Misty laughed shyly. "Right, of course."

"The coffee shop is just across the street. We can take my car though. I don't know if you're dressed for a walk."

"Oh, I don't mind walking!" Misty insisted. She thought he seemed nice, but she was told not to get into a car with a stranger.

"Okay, if you're sure. Probably will take about five minutes."

She nodded and they walked over. Sean didn't know what to say to her so just made idle chitchat about their days and the weather. Misty remarked that the city was colder than she expected in January but not as cold as where she lives, up in the mountains. He thought that was a hint and offered her his jacket, but she declined.

As they entered the coffee shop, Misty admired the eclectic decor and checkerboard floor, and inhaled the scent of freshly brewed coffee. She didn't like the flavor, but she found the scent pleasing. Sean was going to ask if she wanted to grab a table and sit while he ordered, but he realized that she'd probably need some time with the menu board.

Sure enough, she took her time reading the menu and examining all the pastries in the display case. She eyed the strawberry cheese muffins in particular, wondering if they tasted anything like the strawberry desserts her mom and sister were so famous for. She adored them but hadn't eaten one in a while.

When it came time to order though, she requested only an herbal tea with milk. It had been incumbent on her from a young age to maintain her weight as a show of self-discipline and for channeling purposes. Naturally, there were no scientific studies to back up this claim, that lower body mass equaled easier channeling, but the order was followed nonetheless. Since Misty was not well-versed in nutrition either, she mostly tried to eat as little as possible and weighed herself daily.

When they sat at their table though, in the far corner by the window, the barista delivered their drinks along with one muffin for each of them. "I thought those were for you," she remarked.

He laughed. "You thought I ordered two muffins for myself? I try to have at least a little dignity on a first date. No, I got you one because you stared at them so long. Figured you wanted one but just didn't want to ask."

She blushed. She didn't realize she was that transparent. She'd have to work on that; she thought. "Thank you. They do look nice."

He pulled a chunk of his muffin and popped it in his mouth before following it up with a swallow of his drink: house blend coffee with cream and sugar. "Tastes as good as it looks. You going to try yours?"

Misty was torn. Her good breeding told her it was impolite not to accept something offered to her, but it also told her not to indulge. "I appreciate you buying me one. I'm not supposed to eat muffins though."

"Are you on a diet?" he asked quietly.

"Yes, something like that."

"Well, it's after five, right? You know, dinner time. You must be hungry."

"I'm always hungry," she lamented.

He smiled reassuringly. "One muffin won't kill you. Besides, if you're worried about your figure, uh, not to sound bold, but you don't have anything to worry about."

She smiled back before grabbing a piece. It may have been the years of restriction talking, but she thought it was one of the best things she had ever eaten. "It's really good."

"Told you."

"So, how long have you been working at the hardware store?" Misty asked before having another piece.

"God, like... three years now."

"Do you like it there?"

"I mean, it's okay. It's work. I used to work as a waiter, and I like this better. Less stress. Better schedule. Miss the tips though."

"Is there something else you'd like to do?"

He sighed. "Honestly, I wish I knew. I went to college for a bit, took business, but I dropped out halfway through my third year."

"Were you wanting to go back?"

"Maybe. Me and school, we didn't always get along. I was doing half decent before I dropped out, but I had to give it my full attention. I was broke, had to work through school, couldn't manage both, so I quit."

"I'm really sorry. Could you move back home to save money?"

"Not an option, unfortunately. My family doesn't live in Japanifornia. They're back in the US."

"Really? You're an American?"

"I am. From Newton, just outside of Boston. I don't have much of the accent, so I guess I can pass for Japanifornian."

"People there have accents?" she asked.

"Oh yeah. Really strong ones too. Not as much where I'm from, but my dad grew up in South Boston, or Southie. The way people speak there is wild."

"That's very interesting. I've never left the country, and my family has lived here for over a century now. I suppose, after the secession though, you haven't been back?"

Sean nodded. "Yup. I moved here when I was 18, fresh out of high school, and that was almost nine years ago. Six months later, the secession became official."

"Oh," she reacted.

"To answer your next question, I'll be 27 in April."

"That's a little older than I thought, but it's okay." Misty had arbitrarily set her cut off at 10 years and so he was technically still within range. "You must miss them."

"Surprisingly, yeah, I do. Never thought I'd say that. I have one of those crazy, big, Irish Catholic families. You know, eight kids, alcoholic father, the whole nine yards. I'm a big Boston stereotype, I guess."

"That's... common there?"

He laughed. "You're so funny sometimes. It's like you grew up on another planet."

"Are they rude in Boston too?" Misty asked sharply.

"Honestly, yeah, they kind of are, but I try not to be. I'm sorry. It's cute."

Misty smiled slightly. "I'm sorry about your family."

"Thanks. I was kind of an idiot though. I wanted to get away. You know, big change, have a break from all that. When the US made everyone choose, I picked California. Huge mistake. It was nice for about a year but not being able to even travel there has been tough. And then the economy has been God awful with all the sanctions. It's been a little better since Japan stepped in, but it's still hard to get ahead." He shook his head. "Anyway, sorry for rambling on. Don't know why I told you all that. You're just easy to talk to."

"I don't mind. I like listening."

"What about you? So, you grew up about two hours away from here. Where exactly?"

"It's a little village, north of here. In the mountains, and near the coast."

"What's it called?"

"Kurain Village."

He stroked his chin, thinking. "Never heard of it."

"It's very small with only about 120 of us. It's an enclave. Very similar to our home country: the Kingdom of Khura'in."

"That's neat. I think I've heard of the country before. Really tiny, and near Nepal, right?"

Misty nodded. "Yes, exactly. Culturally, we are Nepalese and Japanese in tradition. That's usually how I describe it to outsiders."

"Outsiders like me?"

"Anyone who doesn't live there is called an outsider."

"That seems harsh."

"That's just the way it is," she said plainly.

"That's too bad. I'm kind of curious now."

"We do tours, and you can visit. Would you be interested? The next one is on Sunday."

"Sure, why not?" he asked rhetorically. "Work's closed on Sundays anyway."

"I'll give you directions before you go home. I've heard they'll be building a railroad near us, but work hasn't begun yet."

"Makes sense. They haven't even finished all the city routes yet." There was a beat. "What does everyone do there, anyway? I've gathered that you don't leave very much."

"Rarely. We're very self-contained. We have our own schoolhouse, grow much of our own food, and make our own clothes."

"You made what you're wearing?" he asked incredulously.

Misty shook her head. "No, my mother bought this for me. She made an exception since I was going into town. Our clothes are very traditional."

"Do you even have electricity there? Plumbing?"

She sneered. "Of course. We have phones. We have televisions, although we only get three channels. The council is trying to decide on whether we should purchase a VCR for the Village, but it's quite expensive."

"Just one for all 120 of you?"

"Yes, we would share."

He chuckled. "Sorry, I shouldn't laugh. That's very quaint. What do you do for work? How does everyone afford to live there?"

"We sell our wares. Art and pottery. Sometimes furniture. If we have a bountiful harvest, we'll sell the extra at farmer's markets. Then, we offer... spiritual services."

"What does that mean?"

She faltered. "It's hard to explain. I'll show you after the tour."

"This isn't... a cult, is it? Your leader didn't send his prettiest wife to all the hardware stores in the city to recruit poor unsuspecting employees?"

"You think I'm pretty?"

"That's what you took from that?"

"That was the only part of what you said that wasn't offensive," she said sternly. "My mother is our leader. I suppose she did send me here but not to recruit. We don't recruit. You're either born there or you marry into the Village."

"Sorry. Just checking. You know, Spahn Ranch gave tours too."

"Is that in Boston?"

He grinned. "Never mind. That reference was a little obscure, even for city folk."

They chatted for about an hour longer, until the coffee shop closed, and made it back to the nearly empty parking lot where only their cars sat. He walked her to her car, and she gave him directions to the Village. She also asked him to bring a picture of his grandfather. Sean mentioned earlier how sad he was for missing his funeral.

"I'll see you Sunday," Misty said.

"I'll be there."

Misty stood, her back to the car door, and looked up at him timidly.

"Everything alright?"

"Yes. It's just... would it be okay if I kissed you?"

He smiled, walked a few feet closer, brushed some hair off her face, and gave her a chaste kiss.

Misty's heart fluttered. She opened her eyes and tittered softly. "I've never done that before."

"I'm not surprised."

That Sunday, he was good on his word and drove the nearly two hours to the Village. Despite the regular tours, there was no parking lot for visitors, and he had to park on the side of the road and walk up.

He was awed when he entered and saw all the wooden structures and thatched rooves. While Japan had unified with California, it was often easy to forget. There were some name changes, new signage, a few new laws, and an expanding rail network but not much was different. This place looked very Japanese and was unlike anything he had seen before.

His tour group was small, just him and two older women. While they took pictures, he just listened to the guide and took everything in. Once he was done, Misty instructed him to meet her at Fey Manor, where she guided him into the channeling chamber.

She was dressed in large robes, much bigger than what she needed, tied her hair up, and placed a hood on her head. He handed her the picture, a newspaper clipping of his grandfather's obituary that his mom had mailed to him, and Misty inspected it briefly before taking a prayer stance.

After a few minutes where nothing happened, he had become increasingly skeptical, until Misty's figure grew, and his grandfather's face was staring back at him. After the initial shock, Sean apologized for not being there when he died, and his grandfather told him that he understood. Sean asked him where he was, and his grandfather said he wasn't sure. Only that it was very dark there, he was alone, and he had no sense of time.

When Misty's presence returned, Sean was actively trying to suppress tears, and she told him it was alright. She had done this all her life and was used to the reactions. Sean asked her to summon him again, so they could talk some more, but she couldn't. She told Sean that maybe the conversation he just had helped his grandfather be at peace.

Sean wanted to be skeptical, but he had no explanation for how this could have happened. He hadn't shown her what his grandfather looked like, she couldn't have hired a lookalike, and he didn't think it possible for any sleight of hand to be conducted. This moment had melted away much of his anxiety, both about leaving home and about what lay beyond.

From that point forward, they were officially an item. He showed her around the city, like she originally asked, and took her to various places she hadn't been before: parks, museums, and landmarks; restaurants and movie theaters; bowling and mini golf. Just like he was awed seeing her home, she was awed experiencing all the things the modern world offered.

Sean found it endearing to watch her wide-eyed reactions. While Misty seemed so young and naïve about all the things he saw as normal, in other ways, she was so wise. The juxtaposition was fascinating and sometimes he could forget about the age difference.

He returned to the Village for more visits too. He met Ami, Morgan, and many of the other villagers. He helped with some of the grunt work and was met with effusive praise. The others knew Misty was actively courting him and so they were on their best behavior.

She visited his apartment as well, and they'd cook together and watch TV. Most times, Misty chose to expand her familiarity with romance, making out with him on the couch, but never staying the night. She told him that she couldn't until they were married.

He told her he understood. Technically, he wasn't supposed to either although he was never all that devout. He explained to her that, regrettably, it would be a while before they could marry because he didn't have much money, and couldn't pay for an elaborate wedding, let alone a diamond ring. She countered that weddings in her village were simple affairs with small ceremonies and no rings.

After about two months of dating, he proposed, and they got married two weeks later at a small ceremony in Kurain Village. Prior to the wedding, he was baptized into the Khurha'inese faith, under a frigid waterfall. He took her last name, quit his job, gave away his apartment, and they moved into the Branch Manor together.

He knew he was crazy to make that decision, but it felt right. He had been so lonely and isolated for so long and had been spinning his wheels, working a dead-end job with no plan in sight. He was excited to live somewhere tight knit, and to have a family of his own. To not work for a living. There was always work to do in Kurain, but life seemed simpler there. It wasn't work; he thought. It was a way of life.

When he called his mom to tell her the news, deliberately leaving out the baptism part, she was happy for him. She knew how miserable he had been so thought this was the right decision. She was even more overjoyed to hear that he was going to be a father.

Misty became pregnant shortly after they got married. While she was happy that she had successfully fulfilled her duties in less than three months, it was a big adjustment. She had just become a full-fledged adult and already she was seeing her body change in ways she wasn't prepared for. Swelling and expanding. Irreversible stretch marks forming. It was a hard pill to swallow for someone known for her beauty and who had been unflinchingly regimented for so long.

Sean told her how beautiful she still was, through all of it, and, even though she didn't believe it herself, it helped. On one particularly insecure day, seven months into her pregnancy, she asked him if he meant it under the influence of the magatama, and she cried tears of relief when she learned he was being truthful. It was the first time she used it on him, and he didn't understand what was happening, but he was happy she finally felt better.

Mia was born the following January, a couple weeks early, and that brought even more relief. Misty had a girl on her first try. She did everything that was asked of her and now she could just exist. They could have another child, but only if they wanted to. She could have done what Ami did, tried for a spare, but she knew what that felt like so didn't.

For a short while, the three of them lived happily together but, like all things in Kurain Village, it didn't last forever. While the Village had the veneer of comfort and simplicity, living there was anything but simple.