I am on the bed in a freezing cold winter when the rooster outside is still not ready to fill the morning air with its irritating cries. The phone rings. My friend is studying abroad for the first time and I have been eager to hear from her. I make my arm expose to the cold air and press ‘answer’ by my trembling thumb. “Hello,” an unfamiliar voice in a brisk tone said, “Are you interested in purchasing real estate?”