A Street
The neighbours, always so inconsiderate, seemed to never use their own driveways. Yes, fine, they could park wherever they wanted on the street, but it was inconsiderate. The house across the road wouldn’t trim their apple tree, right at the edge of their fence. Apples bombarded unaware pedestrians walking past, who were in constant danger of discovering gravity all over again, on a daily basis. Number 106 decided to move out at the worst possible time. They had already agreed to look after number 104’s cat while they were away on holiday.
All that happened, and yet one could count on one hand how many times the neighbours had spoken to one another.
Things had changed. ‘Strange times’ was used by almost everyone in every email, text and conversation around the world. The neighbours left their cars scattered around the street. No one cared. The apple tree started to bloom in spring, one simply had to look out the window to reconnect with nature. Number 106 was then occupied by a young couple, who loved cats. However, holidays were a thing of the past — and hopefully, of the future.
Every Thursday night, the house over the road opened their garage doors and rolled out their steel drums. Every resident would step outside and clap, sing and even dance to honour the NHS and all the other key workers. The Project Manager turned DJ would end each session by saying ‘Best street ever.’ He was right, petty things aside, it really was.
All that happened, and yet one could count on one hand how many times the neighbours had spoken to one another. Just waved at a safe distance of at least 2 meters from one another.
Things had changed, indeed. All pettiness stayed behind and a sense of community prevailed.
