The Moment Heaven Began

New Neighbors?

After Beth leaves, I go back to my table and finish up my editing. When I'm finally done with it, I decide to go home. When I get back to my house on Beach View Estates Drive, I notice that my next door neighbor, Gene, is putting a "For Sale" sign up in his front yard. I go over and ask him what's going on.

Gene: I can't afford to live here anymore, especially losing my job and all.
Me: So where are you gonna go?
Gene: I don't know. Probably back to my hometown.
Me: What?! Why would you go back to Fredericksburg?
Gene: I have a job lined up back there, and it's cheaper to live there in Virginia than here in Malibu.
Me: You know you can live here, right?
Gene: I don't wanna impose, man.
Me: Seriously, dude? You know you're always welcome here.
Gene: I really appreciate it, but I feel like God's calling me back home.
Me: Okay, Gene. Well, have a safe trip, call me when you get there, and God bless. I hope it goes well for you. I'll be praying for you.
Gene: Thank you, Brother.

Me: Of course.

We hug each other then go back into our respective houses. I'm gonna miss Gene a lot. I've lived next door to him for years, and we've been such close friends from the moment we met. I can't believe he's leaving now. Anyway, when I get back into my house, I go upstairs and take my usual late morning nap.

I'm woken up by the sound of knocking. I look outside, and it's dark outside. There's no way! I slept all day?! That sometimes happens, and I don't know why. I go downstairs and answer the door. A woman of probably about 48 or so is at the door.

Me: Hello, may I help you?
Woman: Yes, my name is Alaina Johnson. I just moved in next door, and I wanted to come introduce myself to my neighbors.
Me: It's nice to meet you, Alaina, my name is Andrew. You moved in next door, you say? The previous owner sold that house really quickly. Wow!
Alaina: Yeah. You know what? I have an idea.
Me: Yes?
Alaina: You should come over to my family's house for dinner.
Me: Thank you, Alaina, for that invitation, but I think I'm going to eat dinner here tonight.
Alaina: Are you sure?
Me: Yes, but I do appreciate it though.
Alaina: Alright. Well, you have a blessed night.
Me: You too, Mrs. Johnson.

She heads home, and I close my door. Suddenly inspired, I run upstairs and start recording a song that I wrote a couple days ago, not thinking about how it took me only a split second to get up there. After I'm done with recording, I decide to go to bed. As I fall asleep, I can't help but wonder who these new neighbors are and what they're like.