Chapter Four: "The Unlikely Neighbor"
Zoe had managed to survive a few days of Aunt Pauline's "visionary" gardening, only to be faced with a new challenge: the neighbors.
Mr. Kibet, the man who had repeatedly asked Aunt Pauline to "keep it down," finally introduced himself properly by knocking on their door one evening.
"Hello, Zoe!" he said, shaking her hand so vigorously that her wrist felt like it had been run over by a truck. "I'm Mr. Kibet. You might know me as the man who lives in the apartment next door. But today, I'm here with a proposition."
Zoe blinked. "A proposition?"
"I know you're new here. And I noticed you're... different from the rest of the residents." He gave her an odd, knowing look.
Zoe could feel her heart racing. "What do you mean 'different'?"
He leaned in closer. "I've got a business idea. A side hustle if you will. I need a partner."
At this point, Zoe's entire body screamed, run.
"Okay," she said, trying to be polite, "What exactly is this side hustle?"
"A detox tea business!" Mr. Kibet exclaimed, slamming his palm on the doorframe for emphasis. "I've been perfecting a special recipe, and I believe it can make us both rich! You'll sell it on your social media!"
Zoe tried to hide her shock. "Uh... Mr. Kibet, I don't think my followers are into detox tea. They're more about... you know, self-care and being real."
Mr. Kibet raised an eyebrow. "Self-care, you say? Well, detox is part of that, isn't it?"
Before Zoe could respond, Aunt Pauline swooped in, acting like the entire situation was an impromptu show. "Detox tea! You should totally do it, Zoe! Think of the brand opportunities. Just imagine... you'll be the face of detox!"
Zoe facepalmed. This was her life now. Detox tea with Mr. Kibet. Fantastic.