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THE NEW NEIGHBORS |
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A "For Rent" sign sits in front of a faded, white two-story house on 156 Dolington Road. The house shows its age due to years of neglect.
I'm a bachelor living alone next door in a freshly painted, yellow ranch home at 158.
Today a caravan of cars and vans, mostly older models, landed next door. Men and women carrying furniture and belongings swarmed into the house. It seemed a never ending burst of activity for most of the day. Clad in irregular garb, there must have been over 20 people there. As night approached all activity ended and all was quiet outside. Yet no one seemed to have left, as the driveway and road in front were still packed with vehicles. What, did a cult move in next door or something?
I went over the next day to welcome the new neighbors. I brought over a batch of cookies I had baked on a plate covered with plastic wrap. An attractive brown-eyed female greeted me at the door and welcomed me inside. There were wall to wall people everywhere, some standing but most were sitting on whatever little space was available. So they all must have stayed the night. I was warmly greeted by all with handshakes and nods and inviting smiles. I couldn't stay long I said, but they said I was welcome anytime and be sure to come by again. Well, they're a nice bunch of people.
I wasn't sure if I'd really go back anytime soon. I had been thinking about that attractive female and that I wouldn't mind getting another glance at her when my front door bell rang. I opened the door and there she was, the woman from next door smiling in an enticing midriff blouse. Boy, she did look great. She said her name was Posie and she wanted to know if I wanted to come next door for a celebration they were having. She touched my hand lightly as she asked, and I was out the door trailing behind her before I knew it. When we entered it was like I was a long lost friend, everyone welcoming me back with hugs and smiles. They made a space for me on the edge of the tattered, floral patterned couch. I sat down there and then Posie squeezed in alongside of me. It was a little snug on the couch but I didn't mind. I asked what the celebration was for and everyone laughed, and then Posie answered, "We're celebrating life!"
These guys are great. How lucky I am they moved in. I've lost track but I think I've been here almost every day. I even slept here last night on a mat on the floor beside Posie. I've been here so much that they've been joking I might as well just move in with them! Rama, he seems to be the patriarch, often sits with me and talks to me. He's very charismatic and his eyes seem to penetrate my soul. He has been opening my eyes to things. Life isn't about possessions. It's about love and sharing. Possessions are really the opposite of love. Possessions are a burden and create selfishness in ourselves. We're really better off without them!
I signed over the deed to Rama today. My brothers and sisters mean more to me than that stupid yellow house. Besides, I haven't lived over there in months.
A "For Sale" sign sits in front of a vacant, plain yellow ranch house on 158 Dolington Road.
I live next door with my family in a vibrant, two-story white home at 156.
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