The clinking of keys and the sharp click of a door lock stirred the attention of a specter that lingered in the apartment. This apparition appeared to be around 25 years old, with hair as white as snow and eyes that shone with a chilling, soulless blue. His skin was a ghostly pale, and he stood shirtless, clad only in tattered pants that appeared almost see-through. A frigid expression settled on his face, and though his form was slender, it exuded an unsettling vitality.

The ghostly figure turned his gaze toward the door, his brow furrowing in perplexity. As the door creaked open, an elderly man entered, accompanied by a young woman. The older man's face was etched with concern as he glanced from the girl to the vacant apartment. "Are you certain about this, my dear? There's a reason the rent is so low," he cautioned. A soft smile appeared on the young woman's lips as she clutched an envelope tightly, replying, "It's alright, as I mentioned earlier, this is all I have for the moment."

Out of nowhere, the spectral figure roars in fury, sending a shiver through the elderly man and the young girl as he exclaims, "Hey! Hey! Leave this place! You're intruding on my territory!" The old man shrinks back, a wave of fear washing over him as the hairs on his arm bristle. Meanwhile, the young girl offers a smile that barely conceals her worry, her voice filled with urgency as she encourages him, "Please go on, Mister Lann." With a deep swallow, the elderly man ducks his head, still trembling, yet he presses on, showcasing the apartment to the young girl.

Mister Lann, in his seventies, bore the marks of time on his weathered, sun-kissed skin. His eyes, narrow and slanted, glimmered a deep brown, revealing a lifetime of stories. His hair, now a fine grey, was sparse, and his frame was frail yet surprisingly agile. Clad in a patterned shirt and blue jeans, he completed his look with vintage shoes and a pair of glasses perched on his nose. As he gazed at the young girl before him, a look of concern crossed his face. "I don't think this is a wise choice, dear," he cautioned gently. 

The young girl chuckled softly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she declared, "Oh, Mister Lann, you can't be serious!" Mister Lann, his brow furrowed with concern, replied, "I assure you, young lady, this apartment has its ghosts; I urge you to think twice." She regarded him with a mix of amusement and skepticism, saying, "Really, Mister Lann, there's no need to spin such a silly tale for my sake." With a sigh, Mister Lann shook his head, insisting, "It's not a story at all, my dear; I genuinely want you to reconsider your choice. It could be quite perilous."

The spectral figure lingered, staring at Mister Lann and the young girl with a stunned expression, his mouth slightly agape in disbelief. Despite the ghost's bewildered demeanor, Mister Lann and the girl proceeded deeper into the apartment, with Mister Lann passing directly through the ethereal form. A chill ran down his spine as his hair bristled and his breath became a cloud of icy vapor. The astonished ghost, still reeling from the encounter, looked at Mister Lann and exclaimed in astonishment, "Excuse you!"

He shot a frustrated and shocked glare at Mister Lann, but his expression shifted as he finally noticed the young girl. She was just 18, her gentle smile concealing a world of pain and fear. Tears glistened in her light blue eyes, hinting at her struggles. Her hair was pulled back into a bun, with strands of blond peeking out from beneath a beanie. Dressed in a tank top and baggy shorts that had seen better days, she completed her look with worn sandals and a backpack that held an orange road assistance vest. Though her figure was slender and appeared healthy, it was clear she hadn’t eaten in quite some time. The ghostly man blinked in disbelief, rendered speechless as he grappled with the shock of being overlooked.

Mister Lann guided the young girl through the apartment, beginning their tour in the living room and then moving to the bedroom. The space felt neglected, with cobwebs clinging to the corners and the carpeted floors showing signs of wear. The walls, painted a dull off-white, bore smudges of dirt that hinted at years of neglect. As they made their way into the kitchen, a ghostly figure trailed behind them, still reeling from the fact that he was being overlooked, desperately attempting to capture their attention. The kitchen itself was equipped with a refrigerator, a stove, and ample counter space, while the tiled floor and wooden plank walls added a rustic charm. Continuing their exploration, Mister Lann led the girl to the bathroom, the ghostly man still in tow, his expression of disbelief. The bathroom featured tiled floors and walls, complete with a toilet, a bathtub, and a built-in shower. Finally, Mister Lann took the young girl out to the balcony, where a stunning view awaited them, a stark contrast to the dimness of the apartment.

As Mister Lann and the young girl re-entered the living room, he cast a worried glance down at her. "So, what do you think, Angelina?" he asked. The girl offered a gentle smile, opening her palm to reveal an envelope containing a hundred dollars. "I believe you already know the answer," she replied softly. With a resigned sigh, Mister Lann took the money, acknowledging, "Yes, I do. I suppose I have no other option." He then handed her the keys to the apartment. Meanwhile, the ghostly figure watched in disbelief, feeling as though his very existence was being auctioned off. His arms fell to his sides, his mouth agape, and his eyes widened in astonishment; he was utterly blindsided. As Mister Lann exited the apartment, wishing her good luck, the ghostly man’s frustration boiled over. "Hey! Wait! You can't just sell my territory!" he shouted, but Mister Lann continued on his way, glancing back with a look of concern before shutting the door behind him, a heavy sigh escaping his lips as he felt the weight of regret settle in.

The ethereal silhouette turned its gaze toward Angelina, who, sensing the moment was safe, held her breath as Mister Lann quietly shut the door behind him. After a brief pause, she sank to her knees, a wave of despair overwhelming her as she wept without restraint. The ghostly presence watched, startled by her sudden outburst, unsure how to respond. "Hey, it’s not so terrible here," it attempted to console her, but its voice went unheard. Once the storm of her sobbing subsided, she mustered her strength, wiping away the remnants of her tears. Rising to her feet, she brushed off her clothes and murmured softly, believing she was alone, "There’s no time for tears; I must gather my resolve and brace for this new chapter in my life."