Finally, the auctioneer announced, next up, property ID number 45,872, abandoned farmhouse on 3.2 acres at 1,428 Old Mill Road, property has been vacant approximately 15 years, has significant structural issues, no utilities currently connected, and is sold as is, starting bid $750. Maya held her breath. There was a long pause.

The room seemed uninterested. Do I have $750? The auctioneer asked again. Maya’s hand shook as she raised it slightly.

$750 from the lady in the back. Do I have $800? A man in the corner, barely paying attention while looking at his phone, raised his hand. $800 from Mr. Reynolds.

Do I have $850? Maya raised her hand again. $850 from the lady in blue. Do I have $900? The man in the corner glanced up from his phone and casually raised his finger.

$900 from Mr. Reynolds. Do I have $950? This was it. Maya had only $900.

She couldn’t go higher. She had to make a choice. Use every penny she had, or walk away.

Maya raised her hand. $900, she said. The auctioneer looked confused.

The current bid is $900, ma’am. Are you offering $950? No, she said louder this time. I’m offering $900, the same as him.

She pointed to the man in the corner. The auctioneer looked between them. I’m afraid that’s not how it works.

The bid is already at $900. I need $950 or higher. The man in the corner had gone back to his phone, clearly uninterested.

Please, Maya said, her voice catching. I only have $900. An awkward silence fell over the room.

The auctioneer cleared his throat, clearly uncomfortable. He glanced at the man with the current bid, who wasn’t even paying attention anymore. Mr. Reynolds, do you wish to maintain your bid of $900 for the property? The man looked up, assessed Maya for a moment, then shrugged.

Nah, I’m out. Too much work for that old place. She can have it.

Relief flooded through Maya. Was this really happening? Going once at $900 to the lady in blue. Going twice at $900.

Sold. Property ID 45872 for $900. Maya sat in shock as the room moved on to the next property.