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Anna's New Start · Episode 12: A Room of Her Own October 11, 2026 · 5:53 · With Narrator, Anna, Mei Chen, and Sam
On Saturday, Anna moves into Mei Chen’s room and pays her first month’s rent. A small question about shared space helps them agree on how to live together.
Transcript Narrator You’re listening to Anna’s New Start, a fictional continuing story about Anna building a new life in a new city and looking for work. Anna has just interviewed for a hotel job. Today, she arrives at Mei’s home to move into the room she chose. Anna Hi, Mei. Thanks for meeting me at the door. I brought my bags and the box with my kitchen things. Is this still a good time? Mei Chen Of course, Anna. Come in. The room is ready, and I moved the small table near the window. You can put your bags in there first. Sam Hi, Mei. I can carry the heavier box upstairs. Anna, do you want me to take the one with the books? Anna Yes, please. Thank you, Sam. I packed too many books in one box. Mei, I brought the rent in an envelope. Can I give it to you now? Mei Chen That’s fine. The first month is six hundred dollars, and the rent is due today. Anna Here it is. I counted it twice this morning. Could you write me a receipt, please? I want to keep a clear record of what I paid. Mei Chen Absolutely. I’ll write the date and the amount. Here you go. You can keep it with your other important papers. The room is yours from today. Sam That’s a good feeling, isn’t it? You have a place to come back to now. Does the room look the way you expected, Anna? Anna It does. The bed and desk are just where I remember them. And the window gets lovely light. I was worried my bags would make the room feel crowded, though. Mei Chen We can make space. The wardrobe has an empty shelf, and you can use the top drawer in the hall cabinet for shoes. I just want us to agree about the shared areas. Anna That makes sense. I don’t want to leave my things in the way. Is there a place for my coat and my umbrella near the front door? Mei Chen There’s a hook on the left side of the door. You can use that one. The other hooks are for my family. My brother David visits sometimes, but he doesn’t live here. Sam And what about the kitchen? Anna has a few things in that box, but she doesn’t need a lot of space. How do you usually share it? Mei Chen I have one shelf in the refrigerator for my food, and the lower shelf is free for you. We can share the table and the dishes. Just please tell me if you use the last of something. Anna That sounds fair. I brought a small pot, a plate, and a mug. I don’t have much food yet, but I can buy some after I unpack. Do you mind if I cook tonight? Mei Chen Not at all. I’ll be out this evening, so the kitchen will be free. There’s rice and tea on the counter for you, too. You don’t have to use them, but you’re welcome to. Anna Thank you. That’s kind. I can bring something to share next time I shop. I’m still learning which stores are affordable, so I’ll ask Sam for ideas. Sam I know a small market two blocks away. They have basic food at good prices. I can show you where it is after we finish carrying things, if that would help. Anna That would help a lot. I want to get a few simple things, like eggs and bread. Mei, is there anything I should know about the building? Mei Chen Please keep the front door locked, even when you’re home. The laundry room is downstairs, and the machines take coins. I’ll show you where the light switch is before I go out. Anna Good to know. I have some coins in my bag. Is there a usual time when people do laundry? I don’t want to take over the machines if someone else needs them. Mei Chen There isn’t a set time. If a machine is full, you can check whether someone is using it. Most people come down in the afternoon. You can ask me if you’re not sure. Anna I’m glad we talked about the little details now. It feels easier than trying to guess later. I’ll put my things away and keep the shared spaces clear. Mei Chen I’m glad, too. This is your home now, so you should feel comfortable asking me questions. We can talk if something isn’t working for either of us. Sam The last box is in your room. Anna, you’ve got your key, your receipt, and a place to sleep tonight. How are you feeling about it? Anna Relieved. And a little tired. I still don’t know whether I’ll get the hotel job, but I have a home while I wait. I can unpack one bag now and take the rest slowly. Mei Chen That sounds like a good plan. Welcome, Anna. I’ll leave you to settle in, and I’ll see you later this evening. Anna Thank you, Mei. And thanks, Sam, for carrying the books. I’m going to put my papers somewhere safe, then I’ll be ready for that market.
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