Member-only story
The Neighbours
Short fiction
When the Lees returned from caravanning around Australia, the first thing that they noticed was that the house next door had finally sold. As they pulled into their driveway, they remarked on the changes the new owner had made. There was a new fence and gate around the property, though it was plain to see that the garden was still in disrepair, apart from some rose bushes with black blooms. Jenny made a mental note to ask the new neighbour where she’d found such exotic coloured roses. Since their respective retirements, Jenny and Keith’s own garden had taken off and they hoped that it hadn’t fallen into disarray while their son had been looking after it.
One of the neighbours from across the road came out to greet them as they started to unpack the caravan.
“Jenny! Keith! How are you? Welcome back.”
“Thanks, Alex, it’s good to be back home. How have you been?”
Alex shrugged. “Good, good. It’s been quiet here as always. But number thirty-two finally sold. That fence went up pretty quickly. Have barely seen the new owner.”
“Ah well,” Keith said. “Better than having noisy neighbours, I guess.”
“Yes. Well, better let you get back to your unpacking. Nice to see you again. Come over for coffee when you’re settled back in,” Alex said, turning back to…
