The Neighbor Next Door

Meeting those next door, and spiraling

It was Monday today, meaning he had to cook. He still had plenty of hours before he had to do that though, having woken up quite early today. The cat would probably be visiting today, too, so he'd be prepared for that now. Currently, he was sitting in the living room, having slept in there for the past few nights-- desperately needing a change from his bedroom for a while. It wasn't anything too different for him. He would usually either sleep on the couch, or in his bed, but with how this week had been mentally, the living room was the safer choice. He wasn't really doing anything, just kind of sitting there, and thinking. He did that a lot, really, especially when he didn't want to go on his computer, or check the TV and risk seeing one of those stupid commercials or public appearances from a man he'd rather avoid.

But that wasn't important right now! He wasn't something MePhone wanted to think about, so he stood up abruptly, shoving it down to a part of his mind to stew about later, letting out a small hum. Maybe he'd switch up his routine a bit. Not by a lot-- He had his limits, but tomorrow was usually the day he went outside every other week to go water his bushes and the flowers in his yard. A good distraction would be doing it now, instead. Yeah!

So he got a pair of those gloves he usually uses for the dishes so he could handle the garden hose with less risks, adjusting the jacket he had put on, and then peeking out the window first. Nobody was outside from what he could see-- at least nobody nearby, which gave him a good chance to get started without being bothered. Even then, he had a garden hose. If someone did try to bother him, like those stupid annoying teenagers that lived down the street, he could just spray them like usual. He especially wasn't in the mood to take anyone's shit towards him.

Watering the plants was calming, really. Using the hose on the bush for just a little bit, before switching to the watering can for the smaller flowers so he wouldn't absolutely drench any of them, as he kneeled down in front of the flowerbed. They were growing nicely. This made him feel happy. Even if he didn't go out much, or make connections with the people that came and went throughout the neighborhood during all these years he's been here, he was glad he still had a nice garden. It was just an extra bit of routine, and mood boosting for him. After carefully watering everything that needed watering, he stood up, wiping his hands against his jeans, and then placing his hands on his hips, a look of accomplishment on his face. Today was looking up. Just another regular Monday, surely. Nothing could ruin this.

"Um, hello?"

MePhone jolted, swinging his head around to look towards where the voice called out. His eyes widened a bit as he realized it was his neighbor. MePhone quickly let his hands fall back down to his sides, immediate awkwardness filling his systems as he swayed in place a bit, almost subtly moving to where he had laid the garden hose, just in case. The ginger had an awkward look of his own, though he still tried to smile, and appear polite, honestly seeming more nervous than anything.

MePhone almost didn't want to respond. He wanted to run and slam the door in this guy's face, but it was almost like an automated response. He hadn't really talked to anyone in a few days, not properly at least, so... Surely one conversation wouldn't hurt? And if this guy said anything out of line, he could just use the hose anyways, so...

"...Hello?" MePhone crossed his arms, trying to take up a look of intimidation, but it was clear to both of them that this wasn't working. The neighbor just swayed a bit in his own spot, standing on the sidewalk, much closer to his own front yard.

"I noticed your flowers, they look nice, uhm... You live here, right?" he gestured to the house.

He almost just wanted to lie, but what was the point?

"Duh. Why else would I be in the yard?" MePhone raised an annoyed eyebrow.

"Yeah, okay, I uh... Sorry if me coming by the other morning was weird by the way-- Uhm... That was me, I just... I dunno, I thought it'd be nice to know the people I live by, I hope that's not too intrusive or anything,"