After a painful breakup with her boyfriend, Alina found herself residing in her vehicle. Employed as a teacher, she utilized the school’s amenities; however, her situation was unexpectedly revealed by a coworker.
“Mark, how could you do this?” Alina confronted her boyfriend after finding him with another woman. “IN OUR OWN HOME?!”
“Just relax, Alina. It’s complicated,” Mark fumbled for words.
“How is it complicated? There’s no excuse! Leave!” Alina was livid.
“You know what? I’ve been over this for a long time. You can’t make me leave. It’s my name on the lease, not yours!” Mark retorted. Realizing he was right, Alina was stunned.
She had moved in with him after a year of dating, and her name hadn’t been added to the lease yet. Realizing she had nowhere to go, she resolved not to show her panic.
“I’m out of here!” she declared, glaring at the other woman. “He’ll cheat on you too, just watch.”
She began packing, and soon, she was living out of her car, vowing to return for the rest.
Reaching out to her friend Kiara for help, Alina was met with an apology as Kiara’s place was already hosting her boyfriend’s sister. Kiara offered storage for Alina’s belongings instead.
With no immediate housing options and limited funds on a teacher’s salary, Alina decided to save money by staying in her car, parked in the school lot, using the gym for showers.
Months passed with Alina still living in her car due to unforeseen expenses like car repairs and helping her mother with medical bills. She maintained her routine discretely until Coach Franco Patton spotted her one morning and grew suspicious.
“Miss Duncan? Early shower today?” Franco inquired.
“Oh, just a plumbing issue at home,” Alina fibbed, hoping to avoid further questions.
Franco, having a soft spot for Alina, sensed something was off and later confirmed his suspicions when he saw her settling into her car for the night.
Addressing her after school, Franco invited Alina out, where he candidly asked if she was living in her car. Admitting to her situation, Alina shared her struggles with the high cost of living.