Our adjoining neighbours moved out today. The house next-door is still and quiet while it awaits its new occupants who arrive next week after a brief social distancing pause. The silence makes me feel sad. Perhaps the house is sad too to lose its large family.
They were never noisy but we could usually tell that there was someone there. We were not close, but we shared experiences, often saw in the New Year together, and enjoyed quite a few shared interests – occasionally sharing theatre trips or walks. Not in each others’ pockets – but reliably there.
For nearly seventeen years we have lived so close together. That’s longer than I’ve lived next door to anyone else ever.
We re-exchanged our front door keys.
No hugs or handshakes to say goodbye. Thanks Corona!
Wishing them well.