Fifty to sixty-degree winds blew from my window meeting my ceiling fan, distributing a brisk freshness through my bedroom--a feeling better than air conditioning. The sounds of children playing, cars driving down the main road behind our quiet neighborhood, and the sounds of neighbors returning home from work and their duties for the day typically keep me company.
My home is my sanctuary, more specifically my cozy and comforting bedroom. I'd never leave if I didn't have to.
The window in my bedroom's my channel of interaction with the world, "getting to know" people from a distance. I gage temperaments, personalities, and lifestyles based on what I observe. I can tell when someone had a great day, a long day, or just wants it to be over. I can tell when a person needs a hug or a drink--maybe both.
The Johnson's live a couple of houses over. They're people-persons, always having company over. Repeating cars are regularly parked in their driveway along with ones I've never seen before. Always always having some sort of gathering, they were very much socializers.
Mrs. Rogers lives directly across the street from me. She spends most of her days tending to her garden. Although she lived alone, she seemed genuinely happy, keeping herself occupied. Her hobby brought her much joy; I could tell from the smile that was always on her face while she planted her seeds into the soil and pulled out weeds.
Then there's my newest neighbors who's been living next door for a few months now. I can tell they're fairly private people. When they see me, they greet me with a wave and a quiet smile on their face. They'll waltz into their home, not to be seen again until it was time for them to leave the next day. Not huge talkers I assume.
They didn't come out much unless it was to go to work or pick their kids up from their nana's house. Sometimes upon their return home, usually around 5:30 P.M., the kids would jump out of the car, describing the fun activities that took place there, their excited voices piercing through my bedroom's window screen.
Their blinds are always closed, their curtains probably closed behind them. They dressed rather conservatively, even when they didn't have to work. Reserved characters. They were introverts like me.
I do my best to keep a low profile. When I have to go out, I make it as quick as I can, anxious to return to the confines of my home. I delve into my personal life with a few close family and friends, but mostly keep to myself. I usually live vicariously through people, painting a picture of what their lives are like through observation. It allowed my mind to stay active without having to verbally engage much. What's unspoken speaks the loudest to me, and not many words are needed.
I've grown a keen interest in my new neighbors--about what they did for work, where they were from, their backgrounds. Hell, what their names are.