Observations

 

I live alone in my old age and disabled

situation. I don’t get out at all anymore.

I find myself picturing and identifying

noises and activities outside my apart-

ment.

My little dog does as well. She, however,

barks at every sound, figuring singularly

of mind that every disturbance involves

us personally which it most certainly

does not.

I can specify and identify movement

of the neighbors upstairs and next

door. I here the mowers and blowers

of the lawn service people coming,

the rapping and tapping of the main-

tenance crew and carpet layers nearby,

tenants moving in and out. When the

doorbell rings or there’s a knocking at

the door (which happens rarely), I know

it’s for us.

We had a new tenant move in next

door several months ago. Never

having left my place in many months,

I never saw or met that individual,

but by his comings and goings at

appointed hours, I determined that

he must be a young man with an

eight to five job. He is mostly a

quiet unassuming person who re-

spectfully keeps his music and TV

down, who doesn’t throw riotous

obnoxious parties. He has a medium

size dog who barks for about ten or

so minutes after he leaves for work

or runs errands, but stops after that

with which I can deal.

Well recently, a new sound was

introduced, a female voice in

conversation with him coming

and going, I surmised a girl friend.

Brings vivid memories of my own

times passed years ago.

As the scenario goes, should things

between the two get serious, he moves

out of his small studio apartment and

they get a more spacious place together.

Should their relationship grow further

along, they may consider making things

more permanent deciding to get married.

In the meantime, I get another new

neighbor next door, hoping it’s someone

older like me, few comings and goings,

low volume music and TV, preferably a

cat person, no new relationships intro-

duced.

In any event, due to my sequestering,

likely I will never meet or see them

face to face. Most assuredly, my pup

will continue to bark at every subtle

noise emanating from the outside

world.

Through my own experiences and

observations, I know how the younger

set in love is destined to behave. I have

been in love myself several times so

many years ago. And my wish to each

and every one of those who choose to

move in together, best of luck with that,

Sucker!

                          -30-

Chris Hanch 2-17-2023