Every day has its rhythm, alert, slow or moderate. Sometimes we have everything planned out and sometimes we fail in anything we set out to do no matter how much we planned in advance. Let's be serious, who among us didn't start their day on the wrong foot but managed to deal with it all by the end? Or vice versa, the day looks wonderful until you step into a pit.

           Well, I've been stuck in my pit for 2 months now, the exact day I last paid my rent. The icing on the cake was when I was fired, justifying the decision as follows: "We suffered heavy losses, we have to cut staff". And it's so hard with the pandemic, how do they expect me to find a job during this period?! It’s next to impossible to leave the house.

           My office is full of cut outed newspaper ads and a lottery ticket; I know it sounds silly, but it doesn't hurt my luck. I have no idea what will come to be, I can only dream of a miracle, no matter how small.

           Ding dong! Ding dong!

           Someone is ringing the door bell. I'm not expecting guests today. Please let it not be the landlord! 

           I run in a hurry to open, but what I’m showed is completely unexpected.

           -Anca! I haven't seen you in ages, how are you? It's so hard to walk on the street these days, restrictions everywhere. Oui c'est possible?!

           -Cynthia!? How? When? Is that really you?

           Cynthia is an old friend from college, we've been good friends ever since. I had studied different types of clothing design in London in order to become a famous fashion designer. We both had this goal, but unlike me, Cynthia quickly discovered her own style, which she easily integrated into her masterpieces. Even now she wore clothes from her brand: a thin coat made of artificial fur. I want to mention that it fits her perfectly, although I always had the impression that her inspiration came from her desire to be more like the animals she loves so much. It is not for nothing that she received the nickname "Le tigre blanc" in the fashion industry.

           This brings me to the current question: What is a French fashion designer looking for during a pandemic in Romania? I will not lie, I am glad to see her but I’m all the more worried that she will run into trouble by not following the restrictions.

           -Anca, Anca, calm down, it's not a Christmas miracle. I only came to the country with business interest, and on this occasion I visited you, Cynthia stated simply.

           -Okay, I understand, although I wondered how she could say that as if it were a simple walk in the park.

           -Now that we clarified things, can I come in?

          -Yes of course! Please come in, I invite her inside indicating where the bathroom is.

          After washing our hands, we sat down to talk in the living room. She details small stories from her French hometown and how she had to move to fashion shows with a small audience, and I explain to her how things are in Romania and about my current problem.

          -There’s no heling it. I was left without both inspiration and materials. Since the pandemic, the import of materials has become more and more difficult, at least the colors I needed. No materials means no new collection leading to bankruptcy. I had to sell the store, which didn't have much left as it was. It was only a matter of time I guess, but they even fired me from my part time job due to the staff cutting. How unlucky is that?

          -How sad, especially now that you've finally started to discover your style. What a tragedy! Cynthia dramatizes the situation.

          -What can I do? I'm trying to find a job, can't live without money, I sigh for a long time.

          -That's it! Cynthia suddenly rose to her feet.

          -Excuse me? I look at her confused.

         -I have the perfect job for you! she says confidently.

         -I'm listening, I found myself interested.

         -I own a mansion in a small village in France.

         -A mansion?! How did you…

         -My aunt owned it. We always got along well and she appreciated my clothes. When she died this year, she left the mansion to me by will. The problem is, I can't stay there right now. Therefore, I suggest the following: You can live in the mansion for free, with meals provided, in exchange you will have to take care of the entire building including the pool and garden.

         -How big is this place? I wonder.

         -On top of that, you will be completely alone, considering that the staff has resigned.

         -Resigned? These days?

         -Apparently they received better offers elsewhere, all this happened in January before the quarantine began. Returning to the subject, I will arrange with the local producers to receive everything you need: meat, vegetables, fruits, etc. You speak good French so you will understand each other. The kitchen has modern facilities, so you won't have any problems in that department.

         -All this sounds too good to be true, aren't you hiding something from me? I look at her suspicious.

         -You got me! To be honest, I felt something was wrong from our last conversation. "Maybe changing the landscape could help you," I said to myself. Now that you're in trouble, I think all the more that you need an escape.

         -Cynthia, you're something else, I hug her.

         -What are friends for, right? Promise me you'll try to create something while you're there, she returns my hug.

         -Let's be clear, how long can I stay there?

         -One year, Cynthia replied shortly.

         -One year… you're kidding, I look at her in amazement.

         -Do I look like I'm joking? Cynthia raised an eyebrow.

         -What do I do with the apartment?! I still have to pay the rent, I panic.

         -I'll deal with the rent, you can consider it the payment for the next year.

         -You really are set on that building, I look down, defeated.

         -If you ask me, it seems like an irrefutable offer.

         -Fine, I accept, I admitted defeat.

         -Magnifique! Tomorrow I will come to take you by car. Pack everything you own and see you at 2 pm, Cynthia got up suddenly.

         -Wait! I try to stop her by getting up in my turn.

         -Of course! What nonsense on my part, do you have my personal phone number? The one from the company is only valid for customers, Cynthia smiled as she pulled out her phone.

         -Yes. I mean no. That's not the problem! I have to settle things with the landlord, and how can I simply leave the country now?! I'm already starting to hyperventilate.

         -I’ll solve the matter with the landlord in a moment, as for leaving the country, is okay as long as you are tested negative and you have a passport.

         - Weren't the last flights to France canceled?

         -Private plane, Cynthia shrugged, as if it were the most logical thing on earth.

         -Of course, private plane, I cover my face with one hand.

         -Now that everything is clear, see you tomorrow. Check 3 times to not forget something. À bientôt!

         Cynthia went out the door before I could tell her anything else.

         -What just happened?  Is this a dream or something? Nothing made any sense now.

         With no other choice, I leave it to Cynthia and start packing.

         Every day has its rhythm, but who the hell would have thought mine would have one as chaotic as a storm?