Foot traffic on the street has been practically dead lately. With hardly any customers coming through the door, the shop just couldn't survive, and we had no choice but to pack up and call it quits. You move abroad hoping to build something of your own, run a modest business, and make an honest living through hard work, only to end up trapped in such an unfair mess.
By all rights, we did everything properly. Our lease was up, and we were leaving legally at the end of the contract. But when it came time to hand over the keys, the landlord simply refused to return our security deposit. He wouldn't even let us take the air conditioner and store fixtures that I had paid for out of my own pocket. Having no other choice, we called the police. But once the officers got there, both sides were talking past each other in a blur of confusion, and the police couldn't really do anything to resolve it.
When you leave home and head down south to make a life, all you want is a bit of stability and peace of mind. We stood our ground and fought the guy to the bitter end, only managing to load up our air conditioner in the end. The deposit was gone for good, and I just didn't have the spirit left to keep dragging it out. The whole thing leaves a terrible taste in your mouth. If you're a fellow countryman planning to come here to invest or open a shop, keep your eyes wide open when you sign leases and put money down. Don't end up having to swallow the same bitter pill.
