Lot

The lot sloped up from the road, grasses and weeds growing between rocks lodged into the side of the mountain. Above it on either side stilt houses stood, accessible from a higher road. A faded for sale sign hung on the metal fence around the property. One of the ropes had frayed with the desert wind and broke off, so the sign rested at a slant. The remaining rope held taut, its strands bulging against each other with the force of gravity. 

Upon the sign were two prices written in red ink, then scribbled over in black. A third, lower than the rest, was forced onto the edge, circled twice, and noted “final final price.”

No. 147