Getting past the summer months and our friendly conversations with Emily, it was nice getting to know her a little at a time. Even though all I could offer were my comedic versions of my uneventful single life, I was momentarily trying to offer her somewhat of a temporary distraction of work and sleep pattern she routinely filled amidst her grief of losing her life long husband and to run her household at the same time. 

The final three months of 2021 we didn’t engage in much conversation. In most cases when a repair was needed I would contact both the tenant and technician to coordinate their schedules. Obviously, I don’t live there and wouldn’t know a time frame to give. For instance, a faucet needed to be replaced. I contacted the plumber and Emily via phone. Then I would group text both so they had each other’s number to coordinate a time. October came and went – nothing. As did November. Then December. I didn’t ask either party for a follow up. My feeling is they’re both adults and if a plumber needs to send me a bill then I know he did the work. Or if the tenant calls me to say the faucet wasn’t replaced – then I need to call the plumber. Strangely no one called. “If they don’t tell me, I’m not asking” was my attitude. 

It was quiet. 

There were times when I did want to call her to ask thus giving me an excuse to speak with Emily. I mean had good reason to call. Still I didn’t. 

Meanwhile the rent was getting paid. Always on time.