A loud banging noise comes from the apartment next door.
My new neighbor is the worst.
He’s been making loud noises at all hours.
The banging stops for a moment…
I pull on a t-shirt and sweatpants.
Then I march over and knock on my neighbor’s door.
After a few moments, the door opens to reveal…
A sweaty, shirtless, incredibly handsome man.
I’ve never seen my neighbor this close-up before.
I have to remember that I’m mad at him.
Grace
You’re being too loud.
Grace
I can hear you banging all the time.
My neighbor grins and extends his hand.
Man
I’m Timothy, by the way.
Grace
What are you even doing in there?
Timothy
I’m building a bed frame.
Grace
And some of us need sleep.
Timothy crosses his arms and leans on the doorframe.
My eyes are drawn to his chest.
Timothy
I work long hours.
Timothy
And this is the only time I can get anything done.
Grace
Well can’t you get it done more quietly?
His eyes trail over me slowly.
Timothy
No, I’m afraid not. Sorry.
And then he shuts the door in my face.
I gape at the closed door.
My alarm goes off at five a.m.
It’s two hours earlier than I normally wake up…
But revenge requires sacrifices.
I angle my speakers toward the wall…
And start playing a pop song at top volume.
It isn’t long before my neighbor starts pounding on the wall.
A minute later, there’s a knock on my door.
I open it and smile brightly at Timothy.
Timothy
Can you please turn your music off?
Grace
I’m sorry, but I can’t.
Grace
And this is the only time I can unwind.
He looks at me incredulously.
Timothy narrows his eyes at me.
Timothy
Okay, I see what’s happening here.
Timothy
Are you sure you want to start this?
I bat my eyes innocently.
Timothy wags his finger at me.
Timothy
You’re going to regret this.
I shut the door in his face.
That evening, I’m cooking dinner…
When suddenly a strange sound fills the air.
And it’s coming from Timothy’s apartment.
After 30 minutes of listening to nonstop yodeling…
I go next door and knock on Timothy’s door.
He opens it wearing a smug smile.
Grace
What on earth are you listening to?
Timothy
It’s the World Yodeling Championship.
Timothy
I’m a huge yodeling fan.
Grace
Can you please turn it off?
Timothy
Sorry, but there are two hours left.
Grace
I know you’re doing this to annoy me.
Timothy suppresses a smile.
Timothy
And what do you call the music you played this morning?
Timothy locks eyes with me.
Then he smiles disarmingly.
Timothy
Look, maybe we should call a truce.
Grace
Does that mean you’ll stop hammering at midnight?
Timothy
But I still need to build my furniture.
Grace
Okay, how about this.
Grace
I’ll help you put together your furniture…
Grace
So it’ll go faster.
Grace
But NOT after ten p.m.
Timothy
That sounds great.
Timothy
And hey, looks like I was wrong.
Timothy
The yodeling competition is about to end.
I laugh and shake my head.
Timothy
So, do you wanna come over in an hour?
I head back to my apartment.
The yodeling immediately stops.
When Timothy opens the door to his apartment…
Timothy
I made these to thank you for helping me.
Timothy
They’re still warm.
The frosting is dripping down the sides.
He definitely frosted them too early…
We eat the cupcakes in his kitchen.
Grace
These taste really good!
Grace
Can you share your recipe?
Timothy
Oh. It’s, uh, from a box.
I smile at how nervous he seems.
A few minutes later, we’re in the living room.
I stare down at a pile of lumber.
Timothy
No, I got a kit online.
Cheaper than IKEA isn’t a good sign.
Grace
Okay, let’s get started.
Apparently, we’re making a chair.
The instructions are confusing.
I wince when the chair wobbles.
Grace
I feel like we’re missing something.
I spot something on the floor.
It’s an extra set of screws.
Grace
The leg isn’t secure.
Grace
That’s why it’s lopsided.
I crawl under the chair with Timothy’s drill.
Timothy
You’re good at this.
Timothy
It’s been taking me ages to build anything.
I stand up and brush the sawdust off my jeans.
Grace
I’ve had lots of practice with IKEA furniture.
He plops down on the chair…
And it immediately collapses.
He’s curled up on his side, groaning.
Grace
Do you think it’s broken?
He looks like he’s in agony.
Grace
Okay, let’s get you to the ER.
Grace
I’ll call an ambulance.
Timothy
No, no, let me see if I can walk.
He slowly pushes himself to his feet.
Timothy
I can make it to the car.
Grace
I’m so sorry. I must have made a mistake.
Timothy
I bought that kit for $20 online.
Timothy
I’m sure it’s not your fault.
I drive as fast as I dare…
While stealing glances at Timothy.
Grace
I’m sorry about the noise this morning, too.
Timothy
Besides, I like a girl who gives as good as she gets.
I sit in the hospital waiting room, fidgeting.
Timothy has been with the doctor for a while.
What if he’s seriously hurt?
Timothy hobbles out, smiling.
Timothy
My tailbone is bruised, but not broken.
Timothy
I’ll be fine with rest and painkillers.
Timothy’s arms are warm and comforting.
Timothy
You hated me this morning.
Grace
Yeah, but that was before the truce.
Grace
And me realizing that you’re actually a sweet guy.
Timothy
What about the yodeling?
Grace
I guess it’s not the worst noise you could have played.
Timothy
Really? I’ll have to try harder.
Timothy
I really am sorry for keeping you awake.
Timothy
I think you’re awesome.
Grace
I think you’re awesome, too.
I help Timothy get settled in bed.
Timothy
I’m sorry. I’m sure you have better things to do.
Timothy
I had this grand idea.
Timothy
After the chair was done…
Timothy
I was going to ask you to go dancing.
Timothy
But I guess dancing is out of the question any time soon…
Timothy
Given my current condition.
Timothy
But would you be interested…
Timothy
You didn’t let me finish.
Timothy takes a deep breath.
Timothy
Would you be interested in watching a movie with me?
I really should get to bed, but…
Sometimes rules are meant to be broken.
