I Always Have The Best Neighbors!

Dear Mystery Neighbor That Lives Above Me,

Recently you’ve been making some extra efforts to show how much you care about me. I’ve never seen so much love come from a neighbor that lives above me instead of next to me. I guess it’s also surprising because I’ve never met you. I wanted to take a moment to let you know that your ceaseless demonstrations of how much you care mean a lot to me. I appreciate it, and I appreciate you.

New York City is a loud and busy place, and everyone needs a good reminder that they need to take a step back and get some rest. When you left a note taped to our door about how we were up too late on a Saturday night, we knew it was because you were looking out for us. We also know that when you say “the noise [we] produce is really becoming a problem for you” it means you’re worried. You’re probably upstairs, awake, thinking “What if they stay up too late and miss their brunch plans tomorrow?” or maybe even something worse, like ‘What if they have big bags under their eyes?!”

Thank you for worrying. If nothing else, it’s important to know that there’s someone who cares.

It’s the little things that make big statements, you know? Last night, around 11:30, you must have heard me reading something out loud to my boyfriend sitting next to me, and you swiftly struck your foot on the floor several times as if to say “Hey, It’s bedtime. People are going to bed.” Thank you. Sometimes you need someone above you looking out for your best interests, and since you’re literally above me, I guess I really lucked out. Today I’m well rested and you are in my thoughts. As I write this letter, each strike of the keyboard keys reminds me of the kind, unforgettable, loud (but not too loud, the perfect kind of loud=) sound of the impact of your foot on the hard wood floors that probably resemble that of my own apartment. I mean, if you’re not going to encourage me to get more sleep, who is?

I’ve never seen you in person, and I’m really jealous my boyfriend has answered the doors to your visits. Sometimes you’ve come to let us know that you can hear our music, (I’m glad you think we have good taste?!) and other times you’ve stopped by just to tell us that it’s midnight on a Friday and that you’ve had a rough week. I’m so glad you feel that you can open up to us even though we really have no idea who you are. You’re also always ready to tell us the time. Thank you for keeping us on schedule! You’re just the person living above us, but really, you’re so much more.

You’ve been caring a lot more lately, and please don’t think I haven’t noticed. Two nights ago you stomped on the floor. It wasn’t just any stomp. This stomp had some extra love and care to it. I imagined that it was the sound of a mother, lovingly banging pots and pans together 14 feet away from me in a vertical direction. I awoke, and was blessed to hear the voice of this mystery man, this goodly spirit, this fairy-man-mother of East Village apartments when you yelled down the airshaft “SHUT UP, IT’S 2 IN THE MORNING!” I really appreciated that you would stay up so late to let me know that I should be getting more rest. I didn’t respond because I wanted to show you I was listening. I pretended to still be asleep, and really tried hard to go back to sleep. I think you noticed because then you shouted like a coach to their rag-tag team of rapscallions, “AND STAY QUIET.”

I think we give you purpose [not that someone as mindful as you wouldn’t have purpose without us]. But I think, and I hope, that you really get satisfaction out of reminding us that you’re less than suited to live in a neighborhood like the East Village in New York City. Maybe you’re looking to become another local legend? The next reason to have a musical based in the area? Or maybe you’re just looking for someone to suggest somewhere else for someone your age to live. Maybe you’re looking for us to be looking out for you. Trust me when I tell you, we’re working on it.

If nothing else, you’ve made an impact on my life, and I’ve told myself that as soon as we move out of our apartment beneath you, I’ll give you this letter as a way of saying “Thank You.” I hope you achieve your dreams.

Love,
Your Neighbors Jackie and Adam

PS – IT’S 2 AM! Haha, get it? Now I’m telling you the time! LOL