The neon "Open" sign flickered as Leo stepped into the shop, his iPhone 14 Pro Max feeling like a lead weight in his pocket. He needed rent money by Friday, and his pristine phone was his only leverage. He’d done his homework, knowing that where he went would determine if he ate steak or instant noodles for the rest of the month. The Trade-In gauntlet
Leo sat on a mall bench and pulled up and Swappa on his laptop. On Swappa, he saw similar models going for $700.
He’d have to wait for a buyer, deal with shipping, and hope they didn't claim the box was empty.