I have a new neighbour! There might be two, I’m not sure. Wanna know how I was introduced? Do ya doya?
Picture it: Sicily, 1927 - wait, wrong story.
Last Saturday night. Watching a movie with Kev and Shauna. It’s getting late - about 1 or 2am. Suddenly, into the relative silence, comes the beautiful sound of the ever elusive rap star. Luckily for us, it was crooning quite loud enough, and only on the other side of the wall, that we could make out every single word, every bit of treble, and our feet tapped irresistably to the insistent bassbeat. The door to its habitat is just as badly sealed as my own, and so we had the extra pleasure of hearing the echo throughout the entranceway we oh-so-blissfully share.
The rap star quieted to nothing after a few moments. We all relaxed into our movie. Minutes later, joy oh rapture, it began again! This pattern repeated itself several times. I got the distinct feeling of a young lion pissing on a tree in the hopes to scare off other lions and mark his territory.
Every day afterwards, I am treated to a serenade after work. On Wednesday, I could control myself no longer: I knocked on the door of the lion’s den. I just had to introduce myself.
(Knocking sound. Music within immediately lowers to a level which can be spoken over)
(Muffled voices, from within): “Who’s that?” “Dude, I dunno.”
(Door opens.)
(Tiny man-boy opens door in shorts and white tanktop)
Me: Hi. I live next door.. (Pointing to inside of apartment. One foot is inside it, other foot is directly in front of the den.)
Man-Boy, interrupting: — Too loud?
Me: — it’s exTREEEEMely loud. If you could just watch it..?
Man-Boy, trying to retreat to the den: Yeah, sure..
Me .. That’d be WONderful. Thanks so much.
(Door closes)
(end scene)
On Thursday evening, the serenade continues. At two minutes past 10 (quiet time for the building), right when my patience is about to grow very thin, and as I was debating thomping on the wall, I hear *thumpthumpthump* .. from upstairs! Yoohoo, we have an ally! The music turned waaayy down. Then in a few seconds, turned back up halfway, which was somewhat tolerable. Then up some more. Then it was nearly right where it began. And at about quarter after, it turned off completely.
The next time, I’m thumping on the wall. The next time after that, I’m calling the landlord. And every time afterward.
It’s been quiet all weekend. I have a feeling ManBoy went home to mommy for a few days.
Posted by nightingayle at November 9, 2003 11:26 PM