SMASH
I flinched, my heart pounding at what seemed a million miles an hour, as glass smashed in the apartment above mine.
"I didn't do it, I swear!" a high pitched voice screamed, "I would never!"
A low murmur could be heard through the damp ceiling, before another scream was heard. I looked up, worried for a moment as all fell quiet, before breathing a sigh of relief as quiet sobbing broke the silence. A quiet conversation took place, before loud footsteps made their way across the room and out into the corridor. A moment later, a car's headlights found their way out of the parking area and into the street. I fell into my bed, my heart still thumping as I tried to get to sleep but it was useless. Music could be heard from the apartment across the hall, whilst a couple screamed at each other in what sounded like Spanish somewhere around me and pots and pans crashed against each other as my neighbours made their dinner. But over all the noise, a quiet sobbing could still be heard.
So I took the elevator to the second floor, walked down the hall and then knocked upon the door. The door opened up to reveal a girl slightly slumped over, greasy brown hair tied up in a knot at the back of her head, with a sweater zipped up to her chin. Her ashen face was caked in makeup, although shadows of bruises could still be seen.
"Umm, sorry for bothering you," I said, "but I heard some things, and... well..."
She looked at me for a while before making an attempt at a smile and saying, "I think your ears are playing tricks on you. Thanks for um...caring... sir, that's nice of you, but I have to go back in. Wish I could tell you about the noise but I didn't hear a thing." She smiled again and said, "It must have been the wind."
.
.
.
Next day
The man was back, his heavy steps making their way up to her apartment. As I lay on the cold concrete, a small nagging feeling made its way to the forefront of my mind. I shook my head. No, you don't have all the facts. You can't just burst in. I told myself, but I just couldn't bear the thought of leaving her.
So I waited until the man left and took the elevator to the second floor, walked down the hall and then knocked upon the door. The door opened up to reveal the girl, the same sweater zipped up to her chin and an ashen face still caked in makeup. This time she frowned at me as I asked about all the things I've been hearing.
"I think you need to get your ears checked, they must be playing tricks on you. Thanks again for caring sir but I have to go back in. Wish I could tell you about the noise but I didn't hear a thing. It must have been the wind."
A month later
The man is back again. I smile slightly to myself. This time I have a better plan. As the headlights leave the parking area, I aim my boombox at the roof and begin to play Lean On Me by Bill Withers.
Sometimes in our lives
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know that there's always tomorrow
Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on...
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need somebody to lean on
I hear a shuffle from above and smile before beginning to sing along;
Please swallow your pride
If I have things you need to borrow
Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on...
I just might have a problem that you'll understand
We all need somebody to lean on
If there is a load you have to bear
That you can't carry
I'm right up the road
I'll share your load
If you just call me
If you need a friend
(call me)
Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me) Call me
(call me)
As the song finishes, I stand on my bed and reach as close to the ceiling as I can and say quietly,
"I promise I'm not playing tricks on you, you're always welcome to come in. You could stay here for an hour or two, if you ever need a friend. We can talk about the noise when you're ready, but 'till then, we'll say it must have been the wind."
A muffled voice whispers back to me, "Thank you."
