They Thought I Was Dead: Sandy’s Story

98 September 2017

I waited, after leaving Dr Eberstark’s office, until I had crossed Widenmayerstrasse and found an empty bench along the riverbank. It was cold and the sky was an angry grey. A few drops of rain were falling. Then, watching the beautiful crystal-clear water flowing past from the waterfall, I called the estate agent.

‘Ah, Mrs Lohmann, congratulations, you’ve seen my message?’

‘I have.’

‘You must be delighted, and frankly even at nine hundred and fifty thousand, you are getting this beautiful home at a good price, it will be worth over a million by the end of this year, no question.’ He was gushing. This was him but rebooted. He didn’t even sound like he had gum in his mouth.

‘Right,’ I said, aware I probably sounded like the least enthusiastic person he’d ever delivered good news to.

‘Are you back in Germany at the moment?’

‘I am.’

‘OK, what I’ll do is email you a draft sale agreement memorandum for you to fill in. If you can put in the name of the solicitors you will be using for the conveyance, I can start the ball rolling this end. I imagine this will be subject to survey?’

Subject to survey. I liked that. The house was over eighty years old and there had been plenty of minor things wrong with it, including damp patches and a roof that wasn’t in the best shape. It was a get-out if I needed it.

‘Yes, subject to survey.’

There was a brief pause then he asked, more tenderly than I would have given him credit for, ‘Is everything all right, Mrs Lohmann?’

‘It’s fine, why?’

‘Just checking you are happy to have secured the property. You sound a little — flat?’

‘I’ve just offered nearly a hundred grand over the asking price. Do you think I’m not happy maybe because of that?’ Then I ended the call.

Shit.

I stood up and walked along the towpath, barely noticing just how cold it was. All around people were wrapped up well; even some of the dogs being walked had coats on. It seemed it was already growing dark, or perhaps that was just the darkness of the abyss in my heart.

Had I just blown it with the house deal?

Maybe it would be a good thing if I had.

But half an hour later, just as I was about to drive out of the car park at the rear of my apartment building, to go and collect Bruno from school, an email pinged on my phone. It was from the estate agent.

My heart sank.

It was full of platitudes. Delighted for you, Mrs Lohmann! Such a good decision! I’m sure you and your son will be so happy in your fabulous new home. You’ve made a great choice.

The sale memorandum was attached.

I had to open it and read it, right now. It all seemed so surreal.

Was I really buying a house I already owned?