I was living in either a house or apartment in a small town in California. I had already been here a month and had been working for someone while here. I had met several people, although I hadn't made any close friends. My plans weren't definite, although I had thought I was going to stay here longer. But now it occurred to me there was no reason why I couldn't leave. It was the last day of the month and the rent was due the next day. Rather than pay another month's rent, I could just leave now. Or I might wait till the next day, and still not pay the rent.

The more I thought about it, the more the idea of leaving appealed to me. I hadn't been having a very good time here. I had originally thought if I came to California I would be near beaches and beautiful women in bathing suits. But actually it was rather dull here. Perhaps I would move on to San Francisco, maybe to the Height Ashberry district.

One problem remained: I had been working all month and I still hadn't been paid. Although I had some money, I also needed the month's pay, which wouldn't be immediately forthcoming. I might have to stay at least another week to receive my money.