Hello. I'm Mr. A. Preparing for my daily stroll through my familiar neighborhood where I have resided since childhood.
It rained earlier, everything is fresh.
I nod to Mr. B . from down the hall on my way out. As usual, I feel like I am bothering him. I get no more than brief eye contact each time I approach Mr. B.
I am greeted with open, friendly smiles from there. Briefly my thoughts turn to Mr. B. Wondering if I had unknowingly done something to offend him. No, everybody likes me, I dismiss his attitude as envy.
Returning home, unlocking the door I cannot help but glance towards Mr B,'s door. Not sure why.
I continue with my day. Who cares about Mr. B. Everybody else likes me.
Let me know if this will work. Hoping we are on the same page! Feel free to correct spelling, grammer, punctuation so we stay semi-professional.
I'm Mr. B, this is my neighborhood. I moved here 15 years ago. It's a relatively calm environment, I like it here, we have great and loving people around.
The rain stopped few hours ago and there's a ray of sunshine trying to shoot out.
Here I am, standing at my balcony. My neighbor, Mr. A just walked past nodding his head, to me I guess. I don't understand what he wants, his attitude towards me is kind of different from others, does he want something?
He was born here, so he knows everyone and people have said alot about him being a great man. I love that about him. I think we are cool. But his exaggerated attitude towards me is what I don't understand.
I don't do deep level kind of neighbors relationship, I like my space. Might be what he wants!
I'm not bothered. We should all enjoy our space.
It has been unseasonably warm the last couple weeks so I have not been taking my regular strolls regurlarly. Today is much cooler and am looking forward to going out.
I notice an impromptu neighborhood chat forming in our shared garden centered between buildings. Decided to join.
As I neared I heard the familiar voices, some calling out greetings. A long time friend, Ms. C., says in jest "Here comes The Man of the Neighborhood, Mr. A.!" Suddenly I hear an unfamiliar voice saying "Good afternoon, Mr. A.". As I scanned the group I recognized Mr. B. who simply gave me a nod and the beginning of a grin.
I offered in return a look in the eye and a friendly smile. He must just be a guy who likes his space. Today his space includes his neighbors.
I think we are cool.
Today, I decided to be different. A man has decided to act like a child looking at his mother for love and validation so I have to compromise a little for him.
Mr. A, although we rarely see for some weeks now has been the same the few times we saw each other. Exaggerated attitude and smile!
You need to see how shocked he was today! 😁 We were having a neighborhood chat at the garden centered between buildings.
As he approached us where we are, greetings flew from left, right and centre but I saw as he scanned the crowd. I knew he was looking for me, so before he found me I said "Good Afternoon, Mr. A".
He had his eye fixed on me and smiled. I think he's happy now, he got the validation he wanted.
Somehow! Good for him.
The season for walking is coming to an end. Chilly, damp, unwelcoming outside.
I bundled up for what might be my last jaunt. Ms. C. was hurrying in from the store. I held the door and spoke as usual. She mentioned Mr. B. had had an operation and was slowly recuperating. She had stopped in to keep him company.
Hmmm. Maybe that is why I hadn't noticed him out recently. Or is it? Now that I think back, I haven't been looking for him like I used to. Ever since I felt I understood him, his presence, or lack of tecognition seems to have become unnoticeable. Interesting..
The winter months are long and I develope cabin fever rather quickly. Mr. B. is confined.
Maybe one day soon I will stroll down the hall and knock on Mr. B.'s door. I am sure he has lots of people to keep him company. I understand from Mama D in Apt E, Mr B. Is quite liked. I will stop in to assure he knows I always do the neighborly thing.
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What will be the best way to get this master piece posted as a finished composition? When it is finished! Let me know when you want to wrap it up. Hoping to have a complete story. I tend to get carried away. Lol
Whatever season it was outside, I can't tell. I have lost track of time.
I just had a successful surgery and I'm back home recuperating. Did I forget to mention how wonderful and amazing the people in my neighborhood are.
Ooh! They come in and out, with wishes of quick recovery. It's overwhelming the love I'm getting from everyone.
Ms. C told me about Mr. A asking about me. I laughed so hard. She wouldn't understand why. I haven't seen Mr. A in awhile, infact I only saw him once, after I decided to compromise.
I guess I was right afterall, he just wants attention from me like everyone else is giving. He got it, good for him.
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In all honesty, I don't how or where this is leading to. 😁 I'm just enjoying myself writing and following the story line. I see it as two men reporting to a counselor/someone to help them settle an issue.
Are you on discord?? Let's chat there.
I'm @lightoj#7019 on discord.
Not on discord. I also wanted to mention the Jodi Picoult quote. Have read two of her books. Different, I will try another. Not familiar with her quotes.
.........
It is thawing once again, finally. I am ready to get out but the drizzle and wind is hanging in there today. Stuck inside looking out. The whole buildimg is quiet.
Soon I hear cheerful voices drifting through my door. I can tell they stopped at Mr. B's door.
Mr. B. has been well, fully up and about after surgery. These people are visiting for fun.
Bored or curious or both I boldly decided to knock and invite myself. I'm Mr. A. and I am sure all would enjoy if I joined.
And we all did enjoy. I forgot I was at Mr. B.'s. Very nice afternoon.
Seems Mr. B. and I don't need to know much more than we basically like each other.
Now I can't recall why we took such a long time to find this out.
There's absolutely no problem at all, if after failing or falling short you want to try again. I believe with respect and genuine feelings we can create an atmosphere of peace devoid of any doubts.
I'm full back in shape now. But for the fun of it, I stayed in bed to surprise my neighbours who visits. So when I noticed we have a large crowd in my apartment, I stood and walked majestically.
The joy and happiness on these people's faces, I'll never forget. The excitement, the screaming, the whistling and jumping that follows was just as expected, even more. I feel grateful for these people, they are wonderful and amazing.
Look who's here Mr. A. I welcomed him and ensured he doesn't feel out of place, we all had an amazing afternoon. Everyone was happy!
I guess, he trashed out his ego.
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Think this is a good moment to end it? I don't know. Maybe there's no ending afterall.