this afternoon, i checked out a place that i had high expectations for in terms of location and size - but was apprehensive about regarding smoke. and, my concerns were immediately met with my expectations, enough that i initially walked away.

there was a woman sitting in the doorway of the apartment, in a wheelchair, with a pack of smokes in front of her - and an ashtray across the porch. i nearly vomited, and walked away rather quickly.

my intuitive diagnosis was ms. she was shaking, barely able to speak. it just seemed like an advanced kind of muscular problem; maybe she even had an accident. i didn't ask, as it wasn't really my place. i just decided it was not a good place for me, and walked home.

when i got home, i second-guessed myself. maybe the reason she was sitting outside was that she was moving out. maybe she was moving to a long-term care centre, with family...who knows...

so, i went back and noticed the signs on the window - no smoking, due to the presence of oxygen tanks.

this woman has lung cancer. she can't smoke inside because she has oxygen tanks to help her breathe. but, she's smoking two packs a day outside, still.

it would be the unit directly downstairs.

and, so i made the only deduction that i can - that the smoker downstairs will be gone soon. and, after confirming with the owner that they will be seeking non-smoking tenants in the future, i put down an application for the unit.

it might be the best chance at smoke-free living that i can find in this city.