**A man rented out his flat to a lovely elderly couple – when they moved out, he was amazed at what he found inside.
When I first rented my flat to Ivan and Greta, a lovely elderly couple with warm smiles and charming accents, I thought I had found the perfect tenants. But when they moved out, I found myself embroiled in a mystery that shook my confidence and led to an unbelievable turn of events.
Ivan and Greta seemed like the sweetest couple I’d ever met. Late seventies, polite manners and warm smiles that could melt even the coldest heart.
Ivan had a neat silver moustache that twitched when he laughed, and Greta had that kind, motherly manner. They spoke with a curious accent that I had no way of identifying-a mixture of something European and ancient.
I hope this flat will suit you,’ I said, showing them the place.
It’s perfect,’ Greta said with a smile. – Just like home.
They moved in without any problems, and for the year they lived there, there were no complications. They paid their rent on time, kept the flat in immaculate order and even left little thank-you notes when I came to check on the place.
They often invited me over for tea and shared stories of their adventures as young adults. It was hard to imagine a more ideal situation.
Thank you so much for letting us live here, Mark,’ Ivan once said. – You’ve been a great landlord.
And you are the best tenants. If only everyone were like you,’ I replied, sipping the tea Greta had made. It was chamomile tea – fragrant and soothing.
Do you remember how we got lost in the Black Forest? – Greta asked Ivan, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Oh, yes, it was a real adventure! – laughed Ivan. – We were young and foolish and thought we could do without a map.
We ended up sleeping in a shepherd’s hut,’ Greta added, shaking her head.
However, as their lease was coming to an end, something strange happened. Ivan and Greta, usually so calm and poised, seemed in a rush.
They kept rushing around, packing boxes and vigorously organising something. When I asked if everything was okay, they assured me with their warm smiles that everything was fine.
Just family stuff,’ Greta explained. – It’s no big deal.
Are you sure? You both look very worried,’ I insisted, concerned.
It’s fine, Mark. It’s just an urgent family matter. We’ll miss this place,’ Ivan said, patting my shoulder reassuringly.
On the day of their departure, they shook my hand firmly and apologised for their sudden departure. I wished them well, feeling a slight sadness at their departure.
Thanks for everything, Mark. We hope to see you again someday,’ Greta said, hugging me gently.
Take care,’ I replied, waving goodbye to them.
The next day I went to check on the flat, expecting to find it in the same immaculate condition they had kept it in. I opened the door and stepped inside, but what I saw made me gasp in surprise.
There was no floor. The wooden planks that had been there were completely gone, leaving only bare concrete. I stood there, stunned, trying to figure out what had happened.
Where the hell is the floor? – I muttered to myself, pacing around the empty rooms.
I pulled out my phone and took a picture of the empty floor and sent them a text.
What happened to the floor? – I asked, attaching the picture.
A few minutes later, my phone vibrated. It was a message from Ivan.
Oh dear Mark, we are so sorry for the misunderstanding! In the Netherlands, there is a tradition of taking your floor with you when you move. We assumed it was the same here. We were in such a hurry because our granddaughter had just given birth and needed help with the baby urgently. We didn’t have time to explain ourselves. We hope this has not caused you much trouble. Please let us make it up to you. Come to the Netherlands and we will show you our beautiful country. Love, Ivan and Greta.
I reread the message several times, my bewilderment gradually replaced by a surprised smile. It was such a strange tradition, but it was starting to make sense. They meant no harm, they were just following the customs of their country.
I laughed and replied:
I appreciate the explanation. I will have to replace the floor here, but no hard feelings. Perhaps I will accept your invitation and come over. All the best to you and your family.
But something still bothered me. The tradition of taking away the floor? Is it? I decided to find out more. I went to a friend of mine who was a private investigator and told him the whole story. He agreed to look into it.
A week later, he rang me with the shocking news.
Mark, you’re not going to believe this,’ he said. – Ivan and Greta are not who they say they are. They’re part of an elaborate fraud scheme that targets landlords by stealing valuable items and giving the impression of an innocent mistake. These floorboards? They’re worth a fortune.