The Rental

The narrative begins with a distraught 20-year-old university student, Amy (played by Aubrey Sinclair), seated in her car. The vehicle is filled with boxes and clothes, and an eviction notice is prominently placed on a notebook at the passenger's side. Amy has recently been forced to leave her apartment and has resorted to living in her car. She appears unkempt, exhausted and extremely stressed. Suddenly, her phone rings, it's a response to an application she had made. She answers with great enthusiasm, but her expression changes to disappointment as she is informed that her poor credit score disqualifies her from consideration. The only available option left is a private room in a house nearby. Deciding to take a proactive approach, she heads directly there, hoping to make a stronger impression in person. Upon arriving, she is met by a man who appears initially hesitant to let her in. However, his demeanor changes when she expresses interest in the room he has listed for rent and he welcomes her inside. He introduces himself as Philip (portrayed by Tommy Pistol) and gives her a tour of the home while she observes him warily. Despite his slightly odd behavior, the house is immaculate and the rent is affordable, so she overlooks it. When Philip offers her the chance to move in immediately without the need for a lease or credit check, she seizes the opportunity. She heads back to her car to retrieve her belongings, while Philip watches her attentively from the doorway. Throughout the day, while Amy is settling in, Philip finds reasons to visit her room frequently. This behavior unnerves her slightly, especially with the way he ogles her, but it seems harmless enough that she dismisses it. Even when he is caught peeping as she exits the shower, his nervous and remorseful demeanor lead her to let it slide. She then calls her mother to update her about the move, downplaying the peculiarities, before retiring for the night. However, she is startled awake by a noise in the night. To her shock, she finds Philip rummaging through her laundry and sniffing her underwear while she sleeps. She confronts him in alarm, threatening to call the police. He manages to soothe her, explaining that he is harmless and merely has an uncontrollable sexual fascination with young women. Hesitantly, she inquires if he is a registered sex offender, but he assures her he has a clean record and that his obsession is more of a hobby. He pledges to be the best landlord if she will occasionally allow him to observe her. Seeing the situation in a new light, she recognizes her power over him and begins negotiating. In exchange for free accommodation, she would allow his infatuation. Excited, he accepts her conditions, touching her as she undresses. Finally, she proposes he cover her entire year's tuition in exchange for having full access to her body, an offer the lascivious man eagerly accepts.