This is going to be a rough war

Today's Sunday Stream of Consciousness prompt is Roughing it.

Yesterday in the mail, I received a notice from a collection agency.

First time in my life.

The move here to NYC was an abrupt one that only left me with 3 weeks in StL to gather things, finish things, and say goodbye to that sort of life.

From the first day I knew I was going to be moving, I started talking with the landlord of the apartment complex where I stayed.  I loved and still love that apartment and hoped that if I had to go back to live in that city, I would be welcome there.  I have never lived in such a clean, friendly, bright neighborhood.

I kept asking them what I needed to do before the move.  Even asked them if I needed to pay September rent since it was going to be in the middle of August when I left (I was trying to be helpful so they would want me back if necessary).

After 4 visits to the office, 5 phone calls, and a letter that I wrote to them, they kept giving me the same answer: We don't know what the protocol is for such an abrupt departure after you have lived in the complex less than 6 months. They mentioned that they would have to talk with their corporate people to find out.

They never got back to me.

I assumed things were good and I was free and clear.

Until yesterday.

Things are now rough.

It is not the apt complex telling me I owe money, it is a collection agency.  That is some big ish to me.  They say I owe over a thousand dollars.  The rent was not that high, and it is not two months rent, nor is it a month plus deposit.  I'm hella confused and super angry.

I need to make some phone calls tomorrow and I hope that I am more calm when I talk to them.  I couldn't even sleep last night imagining how the conversation is going to go.

I don't want this to get too rough, but I am ready to do what I need to get them off of me.

When I signed the lease, I gave them my phone number, email, my parent's information, and did the same in my letter that I was going to be moving.

They had ample information to get at me if they wanted some of my money.  At that point, I still had extra money in my savings that I would have happily given them.

The collection notice was sent to the former apartment - meaning they must still think I live there and am not paying rent?  That doesn't even make any sense.

This is now a war, and I intend to win.

You can see more 5 minute posts (mine went 3 minutes over with the linking and such) by going to Jana's Thinking Place.