Noisy Neighbor
Unbearable. The bass shaking my windows and the incessant howling from next door had become just that. My partner was sound asleep through all of this which only added to my frustration. It soon became too much. I gathered up the nerve to head over and confront the ruckus producing neighbor.
I banged on the door several times and no answer, undoubtedly due to the knocking being unheard over the thumping music and shouting. Uncharacteristically I opened the door and let myself in to find someone in charge.
The first person to see me announced to no one or everyone, "the stripper is here!"
Ugh! As if! Another voice cheered at the announcement, but it largely seems to go unnoticed amongst the crowd. This obnoxious greeting only fueled my frustration.
"Where's Brett?" I inquired to some men in the front room. They motioned towards the back. As I headed in the direction to find him I heard them call out as well.
"Stripper is here!"
Ugh, how annoying, do they seriously think I'm a stripper? They'll find out who I am soon enough! I thought to myself, ignoring the adolescent "cat calls."
I ventured deeper and deeper into the house. The bass is getting louder in my head. So much so, it was hard to even concentrate.
Eventually I made it to the back bedroom. My search for Brett, the host of this party should end back here by everyone's account. I had to endure being called "the stripper" several more times as I searched for the man to confront about, something.
I forgot for a moment what I even came here for. The music was so loud I couldn't even think. I walked into the room and Brett turned and made eye contact with me. "Who are you?"
"I'm the stripper", I snapped sarcastically. I wondered if I had sounded sarcastic in my head. The music made it so hard to focus.
Before I could say another word he exclaimed; Great!" And I was practically lifted up onto the bed in the center of the room. Everyone turned to me. What was happening?
The Stripper is here.
For a moment, my wits returned to me. I was astounded that I was hoisted up onto this bed and was now the center of attention. My anxiety skyrocketed realizing that this was so precarious of a position to now announce why I was actually here.
Why was I actually here?
I could see their disappointment as I remained frozen in front of them. I had a message for them, if I could only recall. I still can't focus.
A large, imposing man called out to the group.
"Hey everyone! Quiet down, the stripper is going to perform now!"
"Yes! That was it!" I blurted out, in emphatic agreement. "Quiet!" Yes, that's why I was here.
As the crowd hushed, my mind focused on the music.
I came here to make them quiet.