The Cleaner

William Micheals served his time in prison and now is homeless on the streets of Los Angeles. His days consist of trying to make ends meet by collecting cans and other refuse and sliding under the radar. One morning, while on his regular can route, Will receives a mysterious text, giving him a time and date a week away. He nods, pleased, but is then distracted by two residents of a small home, Katie and Clark Soto, rushing to work and teasing each other about how messy their lives are. As they talk Mrs. Taverson, the street's nosy neighbor, confronts Will, yelling at him for trespassing and threatening to call the police. This is witnessed by Katie and Clark, and Katie offers Will a $10 bill. He proudly refuses, saying he doesn't need charity, and Katie puts the money under a rock before leaving, annoyed. That afternoon Will receives another mysterious text from the same number, moving the time to later that same day. He starts to refuse but then calls an acquaintance, Donovan, instead, and asks if he can pick up some "stuff." Donovan is hesitant but finally agrees. Will arrives at Donovan's, who hands him a manila envelope, warning him that this might be a bad idea because he could go back to prison. Will tells him that he has no other options. Will arrives back at Katie and Clark's house, looks around, and tries to enter. As he does Mrs. Taverson approaches and he quickly hides as she sneaks up and lets herself into their home. He watches as she shuffles through their mail, taking some coupons, and also sees the general disarray of their house. As soon as Mrs. Taverson leaves he lets himself in. Later that evening Katie and Clark return home and are shocked at what they find--their whole home has been cleaned and organized. As they look around for missing items Katie finds a note from Will, which she reads, explaining Will's circumstances and showing that he broke in in order to offer them cleaning services for the use of their bathroom to get ready for a job interview. Will is simultaneously waiting in a conference room in a law office when Tina enters. She interviews him and he admits his lack of work history is due to incarceration. She tells him she too served time in prison and they discuss his skills and availability. Meanwhile Katie and Clark finish the letter's post-script, implying that Mrs. Taverson has been breaking into their home, and set the letter to the side, revealing that underneath is the same rock and $10 bill Katie tried to give Will that morning.