As I carried in my last box, I felt a wave of accomplishment wash over me. I finally moved out of my parents house and couldn’t wait to enjoy my newfound freedom. I sat the box down and plopped on the couch. Fresh paint filled my nose and the sunlight danced on the walls around me. The nagging urge to unpack screamed in the back of my mind, but I wanted to take in this moment forever. I let myself drift into a deep sleep.

I woke up and grabbed my phone to check the time. The battery was dead. If I had unpacked earlier I could of charged it and my car was too far away for my tired legs to fathom walking. I got up and went to the bathroom. I watched the toilet paper swirl down the toilet and walked over to my sink. As I turned on the water I could hear laughs and music coming from the vent above me. As I finished washing my hands and turned off the water I found myself listening into the voices coming from above. I couldn’t make out every word. Just a few shrieks from girls and a guy yelling, “what, I’m serious!” I ran and grabbed a box labeled “BEDROOM: HEAVY” and set it up next to my sink. I climbed onto it and put my ear against the vent. “Let’s do this tonight! I have everything we need and we’re all here! Come on guys!” I heard a deep lively voice say followed by overzealous cheers of agreement.

I couldn’t help but laugh. This guy was obviously hammered. I must of put to much weight on the box when I laughed because I went crashing into the center of it. I screamed as I landed on my bottom. I heard the music stop and the same overpowering voice from before telling everyone to quiet down. He asked if they heard that noise and everyone teased him. He reassured them that he heard a yell and said it sounded like it came from the vent on the floor. I quickly gathered myself and went to sit on the couch. I couldn’t help but feel foolish. How would they know I listened in.

I started unpacking and found my phone charger. I plugged it in and heard a knock on my door. I went and looked out the peephole and saw a tall, brunette man. He was wearing a long sleeve black shirt with the buttons unbuckled at the top. His muscular arms were nearly popping the sleeves. His brown hair was neatly parted and combed to the side and his crystal blue eyes shined even through the warped glass of the peephole. I slightly opened the door and smiled, “can I help you?”

“Yeah, I thought I heard a scream and figured I’d better come to check if you were okay. These walls are paper thin.” He said with a sly grin that made my insides warm.

“Oh? Yeah! I just dropped a box in my bathroom and it frightened me,” I said shyly, “I didn’t realize anyone could hear me. Are you…next door?” I knew the answer to my question, but I couldn’t help but feel clever in the moment.

“No, I’m your upstairs neighbor. I heard the scream from my floor vent so just assumed it had to be from this apartment. Did you just move in?”

“Yeah. Just finished unloading a little bit ago.”

“Well, if you ever need any help I’m right upstairs,” he smiled again and away I melted, “I’m Leo by the way.”

“Lillith”

“Well nice to meet you Lillith. Be careful moving those boxes.” He winked and backed away from my door. His cologne filled the air as he turned away. I shut my door and leaned against it. I think I’m going to like it here.