monday:
the midday knock didn’t startled me because bisoux already had. the benefit (?) of having a watch dog. the jarring sound his bark creates would keep you from believing he’s genetically kept close to the ground.
the ups guy had a package i hadn’t ordered. first i offered the tall, dark, and handsome king something to drink. one day he’ll say yes. he had a tv and asked if i could hold it for the stranger i share walls with.
our first and only interaction was about a year ago. i was blasting a female pop star (likely) and smoking a blunt (probably) when a scream, followed by the shattering of a window interrupted my mario kart session.
the subsequent raucous, now on the hallway, made it clear this was a fight between siblings.
back to my game i went, after calling my little sister to share the tea. bochinche gang.
tuesday:
no! i said to bisoux, successfully suppressing his bark before the afternoon knock. my neighbors son came to get the tv. i asked him if they wanted a tv mount.
“yeah, man,” in that underweight, long haired, nervous demeanor of a kid who expresses frustration through destruction. me 20 years ago? i left the tv mount on their door.
right after sundown, while outside smoking, mr. jose stood next to me and said, “hola, cómo estás?” he asked to borrow my lighter. we exchanged pleasantries, side by side. i felt like one of the adults i vigilantly observed as a kid. he started to tell me about the broken window incident but i stopped him.
“hey man, family’s complicated. i understand.”
wednesday:
i’m on the phone with a client, 40 something male who allegedly stabbed somebody on the train in the midst of a schizophrenic flare up. i’m coaching him as we try to solve the conflict in his head. (wether real or perceived, conflict is conflict and it requires resolution!)
no bark before noon because bisoux is with his other dad.
it’s mr jose, cigarette in hand. first time seeing him face to face. familial. nicer than any of my uncles. i asked him what’s up and he said:
“nah, man. wanted to say gracias for the tv mount. i appreciate it. you’re a nice kid, mijo.”
mr. jose extends his hands, handing me a pill bottle with flowers in it.
“this is good shit. enjoy.”
i feel safer than i ever have in my apartment. i got family right next door.