Why was he going over there anyway?
“Twix! Are you bothering our neighbor?”
“Meow!” Twix responded before head butting me for the millionth time.
I’d lived in this cabin for years. I loved the solitude, the peaceful existence, the absence of people everywhere I turned.
The cabin next to me had been empty for years, until recently someone bought it from the bank, fixed it, and put it up for sale. I knew my days of solitude were coming to an end, but since the woman had moved in, I’d barely heard a peep.
Which got me thinking…she was my kind of people. But that didn’t mean I wanted to get to know her more.
Or did I?
It looked like Twix went ahead and decided for the both of us.
I fetched a piece of paper and pen and scrawled out my own note back.
Twila. What a beautiful name. Goes pretty well with Twix. I’m glad you’ve become friends. He’s a good boy. Baylor.
I read it over and nearly tossed it. But I shook my head and gripped the counter.No. I was doing this.I couldn’t ignore her. That would be rude.
Folding the paper, I tucked it inside Twix’s collar. Maybe she’d respond or maybe she won’t. Either way, it put a smile on my face.
Twix came homewith another note the next day.
It does go well with Twila. Your yard is very nice. I like your purple pansies. Flowers make me smile. Happy days- Twila
I swallowed hard as my heart beat erratically. I stared at her words as the visceral reaction in my body took over, my mouth suddenly dry and full of cotton, my heart racing a race I didn’t expect, and my stomach riding a rollercoaster I never wanted on.
How does she do it?
Her mere words have me ready to drop to my knees and give her the world.
I scrawled out another note quickly, ready to throw an entire platter of chicken in her yard if it meant Twix would run to her quicker. Waiting a day in between notes was too long. I needed more.
My note read
Your notes make me smile. Please don’t stop writing them. Or feeding my cat chicken. He’s become more demanding but it’s worth it. Baylor
I chuckled to myself, like an idiot already in love with someone I’d never met and tucked the note inside Twix’s collar. I scooped him into my arms and grabbed the bag of chicken treats I kept on the counter.
“Meow, meow!” Twix cried as I walked us outside.
“I know you want some. Hold on.” I carried him across the deck and into my backyard, over to my neighbor’s waist high fence. I scanned the back yard, but she wasn’t around, so I tossed some treats into her yard and set Twix free, hoping he’d hang out for a while.
I wanted her to see my note and write me back. Flashes of middle school ran through my head, waiting for the girl I crushed on to pass me a note.
Fuck, this was silly. I was a grown man.
I didn’t pass notes.
Yet I found myself looking forward to it.
And later that afternoon, another note came back.
LOL. He has been more demanding, huh? He’s always over here begging. But I don’t mind. Because it means I get another note from you. You’re an awesome neighbor by the way. It’s so quiet and peaceful here. Happy days- Twila
So she liked my notes, too.
