18.27

**Art by MoMo** – outside portraiture looking in

On the fourth day of Adams stay, he arrived back at the house around 3pm. He opened the door, turned left down the long corridor, passing closed doors and beige coloured walls, only to find past the kitchen a man sitting on the sofa next to John. Adam calmly sat down on the sofa adjacent. “Hi Adam, my name’s Steve, I’m the landlord.” Offering a handshake that was received by Adam. John couldn’t sit still for his excitement, even in his attempt not to be glee. “I’ll keep this brief Adam, you cannot stay here, Theresa didn’t clear it with me so unfortunately cannot stay here.” Steve’s tone seemed forced, it seemed uncomfortable, but the adrenaline brightened his face after he had stated the fact. Adam was oblivious to the house rules, however reasonable they were, Theresa had said it been fine and the other housemates had been accepting of the visit. He was caught off guard. “that’s fair enough I’ll pack my stuff and find another place to stay tonight.” he agreed politely to the terms keeping a straight face, much to Steve’s relief. He was more upset at the fact he had been dragged into a petty drama, like a pawn on a chessboard by John. He decided not to take the marching orders personally. He glanced over to John whose face was a mixture of emotions, but he seemed happy he had gotten his way. Adam began packing after Steve had left. John walked back through the kitchen towards him. “I’m sorry Adam, don’t take it personally mate.” Adam didn’t, although recognising the falsity behind the gesture, he shrugged it off. He thought to himself, ‘could have talked to me like a man if there was a problem’. But because of the fact he didn’t, he put little stock in John or his opinion. John sat down next to him on the sofa. “Take this for your travels.”