“Sorry…” she said, “my English… not so good. I pay? No. You pay.”
You laughed. Your tenant really didn’t understand you at all. “You stayed here,” you said. “I’m the landlord, understand? I get the rent?”
“No, no,” she said calmly. “You pay. You pay me.”
She was remarkably confident. Even through the accent, she seemed to be speaking more forcefully and persuasively than you could. “I’m sorry for the miscommunication…” you stammered. “That’s just… not how this works.”
“Yes,” she said. “How it work. Oh! I am… pretty?” You were confused. “You think I am pretty, yes? I am ah… be-autiful?” she pronounced carefully.
“So!” she said with a smile. “You pay. Give wallet. Now!” You reached into your pocket and handed it over. This whole time, it had been you who hadn’t understood, but now it all made sense.