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Anna's New Start · Episode 3: Anna's New Start: The Room on Pine Street October 2, 2026 · 6:00 · With Narrator, Anna, Mei Chen, and Sam
Anna visits Mei Chen’s furnished room and decides whether it can become her first home in the city.
Transcript Tap a sentence to hear it from there.
Narrator This is Anna’s New Start. Anna has just arrived in a new city and is looking for work. Today, at four o’clock, she visits Mei Chen at 18 Pine Street to see a furnished room. Sam comes with her to help ask questions before Anna makes a decision. Anna Hello. Is this 18 Pine Street? I’m Anna. I called yesterday about the room. Mei Chen Yes, you have the right place. I’m Mei Chen. Please come in. Sam, is it? Sam That’s right. Thank you for meeting us, Mei. Anna is very interested, but she wants to see everything first. Mei Chen Of course. That is a good idea. The room is upstairs. The kitchen and bathroom are shared. Anna I like the front of the house. It is quiet here. Is the room ready now? Mei Chen Yes. It has a bed, a small desk, a chair, and a closet. The last person moved out on Saturday. Please open the closet and drawers if you need to. I want you to feel comfortable before you decide. Sam The bed looks clean, and there is a window. Anna can put her suitcase under the bed. Is there heat in winter? Mei Chen Yes. The house has central heat. In summer, you can open the window, and there is also a small fan. Sam How many people live here now? Mei Chen Only me and my brother, David. He works during the day and comes home late. The other room is empty at the moment. Anna Would I share the bathroom with both of you? And may I cook in the kitchen? Mei Chen Yes, you would share the bathroom. We usually use it at different times, so there is not much trouble. You can use the stove and refrigerator, and you get one cabinet for your food. We share the dishes, but everyone washes what they use. Sam Are there any other house rules Anna should know? Mei Chen No loud music after ten at night, and no smoking inside. Also, please tell me if a friend is staying overnight. A short visit is fine. Anna I understand. I do not smoke, and I usually go to bed early. Is the bus stop close? Mei Chen The number six bus stops two blocks away. It goes downtown and stops near the Neighborhood Job Center. The ride is about fifteen minutes. Anna That is very helpful. I have a resume workshop there on Wednesday morning. Mei Chen Then this location may be good for you. The rent is six hundred dollars each month. Water and electricity are included, but internet is separate. Anna I remember. You said the deposit is three hundred dollars, and I get it back if the room is not damaged. Mei Chen That is correct. The rent is due on the first day of each month. The deposit is returned when you move out, after we check the room together. I also have a short room agreement with the rent, deposit, utilities, and house rules. Sam Could Anna read it carefully and take a copy? A simple agreement will help everyone remember the details. Mei Chen Of course. Take your time, and ask me about any word. I can give you a copy. If you decide today, you can move in this Saturday. Another person is coming tomorrow, but I would rather rent to someone who is careful and clear. Anna Thank you. English is still new for me, so I wanted to see the room and understand the agreement. I like this place. It is close to the job center, and the price is possible for me. Mei Chen That is good to hear. Do you have the deposit with you today? Anna I have it, but I do not want to pay without a receipt and a signed agreement. Mei Chen I agree completely. We can sign two copies now. I will write that I received three hundred dollars as a refundable deposit. Sam Anna should keep one copy, and the receipt should say exactly what the payment is for. Mei Chen Yes. Please read the last page before you sign. Anna I understand it now. The room is mine from Saturday, and the first month’s rent is due then. Here is the deposit. Mei Chen Thank you. Here is your receipt and your copy of the agreement. Welcome to Pine Street, Anna. Anna Thank you, Mei. I was worried about finding a safe place. Now I can focus on my workshop and my job search. Tomorrow I will prepare my papers, and on Saturday I will bring my suitcase. Sam You have a room, a bus route, and a plan for Wednesday. That is a strong afternoon. Mei Chen If you need help carrying things, tell me. The stairs are not difficult, but the suitcase may be heavy. Anna I will remember that. See you Saturday, Mei. Mei Chen See you Saturday, Anna. I hope your workshop goes well.
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