Monday, 18th March
Spring cleaning today. Found old diary behind wardrobe. Pages and pages of complaints about neighbours! Funny how worked up I’d get about small things. Much calmer now I’ve learned a more proactive approach to problem-solving.
Mrs Patterson’s dog barked 6:30 to 6:47 this morning. Precise records are essential. Poor thing is clearly distressed. Probably picking up on its owner’s deteriorating mental state. She’s been looking dreadful since that business with her son. Hardly eating, judging by her bins. Really, it would be kinder to help her find some peace of mind before the weather turns cold.
Popped round to see how she’s managing. Invited me in for tea, bless her. House smells of damp and neglect. Kitchen tap drips constantly. Offered to call a plumber but she couldn’t afford it, she said. Back door lock broken too. “Anyone could just walk in,” I told her. She laughed. “Who’d want to burgle me? I’ve nothing left worth taking.”
How sad. But also convenient.
Tuesday, 19th March
Mild/overcast. Perfect gardening weather.
Mrs Patterson’s dog was quiet today – I think my little chat yesterday helped. Sometimes people just need to know someone cares. Watched her through the kitchen window while doing my washing up. She sat there nearly an hour, just staring at a cup of tea. Didn’t even drink it.
Poor Michael from 31 stopped by to check on her. Such a thoughtful man, especially considering what he’s been through. We had a lovely conversation at the gate about community spirit. He mentioned how much better he’s been sleeping lately. Said the grief counselling really helped him process things. “There comes a point,” he said, “when you just have to accept that some suffering has to end.”
Exactly my thoughts.
Wednesday, 20th March
Bingo night cancelled due to Betty’s flu. Disappointing but I can now spend the evening observing. Mrs Patterson in bed at 9:15pm, lights out by 9:30. Very regular in her habits. Dog settles down once she’s upstairs.
That broken lock really is a security risk! Should I mention it to the neighbourhood watch coordinator? Although some problems are better solved quietly. Less paperwork.
Checked my first aid kit. Everything still in date. One should always be prepared to help.
Thursday, 21st March
Rain overnight, clearing by morning.
Mrs P didn’t appear at her kitchen window until nearly 11am. Still in her nightgown. Dog scratching at back door, needing to go out. She just stood there looking at it, like she couldn’t understand what it wanted.
This can’t go on much longer. She misses her son so much. I’m sure he’s waiting for her. And families should be together, after all.
Tonight feels right. Mild weather/new moon. I notice she’s forgotten to draw her curtains again. She obviously needs a helping hand.
Time to be a good neighbour.
Leave a comment