Inside Number 1, Josh and Jacki, the new tenants flopped down on the couch,  currently shoved against the wall rather than facing the fireplace because a mountain of boxes was still occupying that space.

“I just want to go to bed” said Jacki. Her feet throbbed. “I don’t think I ever walk this much in a day.”

“It’s only 7:30!” Josh said, “Don’t you want to go out and explore our new neighbourhood?” Jacki’s heart sank. That was the last thing she wanted to do right now. Sometimes, it amazed her that after two years of marriage, Josh still hadn’t quite figured out that when she was tired, all she wanted was a bowl of ice cream and a good book.

“If we go right now, we can walk down to the waterfront and watch the sunset!” Josh was already up and looking for his flip flops. “What suitcase are the shoes in, Jack?” he called from the bedroom. Jacki felt like she couldn’t answer. She could see them. They were right there in the laundry basket in the living room pile, but if she told him, it was almost as good as agreeing to go. Josh and his whole family could maintain a level of energy that endured long after she was exhausted. It wasn’t that she was a weakling, she just needed to recharge more often.

“Josh,” she said and paused.

“You don’t want to go,” he said, coming back into the living room.

“I’m tired.” she said.

“Right,” He sat down again. “Ok, so what do you want to do?”

“Nothing,” they sat in silence for a few minutes and then Josh got up,

“I’ll go get the computer set up.” Jacki just nodded and closed her eyes.

The knock on the door made Jacki jump. Her first instinct was to yell “Who is it?” but she realized she wasn’t likely to know. She wrenched herself up from the couch and went to the door. A little lady with a cloud of white hair and bright red lipstick stood there holding a pie in frilly pink oven mitts.

“Hello, dear,” she said, coming in, “I’m Verna. I live upstairs with my husband George.”

“Nice to meet you,” said Jacki automatically. Verna set the pie on the counter and looked around. The furniture looked very uncomfortable and modern but she didn’t mind the colors. The couches were a dark green and the arm chair was light blue. The table and chairs were that dark wood everybody loved these days. She looked at the blond girl, who was looking down at the pie.

“It’s apple pie,” said Verna, “What’s your name?”

“I’m sorry,” said Jacki, “It’s been a long day. I’m Jacki and my husband’s name is Josh.”

“JOSH,” she yelled. The spiky haired young man appeared. His hair wasn’t naturally spiky – it was held in place with a very strong hair product. Verna had never seen such a carefully designed head on a man before.

“I’m Josh,” he said, shaking Verna’s hand, “It’s nice to meet you. How long have you lived here?”

“George and I moved in here when he retired about five years ago.” said Verna, “but I need to let you two enjoy your pie” (this glancing at Jacki who was again staring at the pie),

“We’ll have you over for dinner soon and then we can get into all the details. I need to go check the flower pots outside before it gets dark.” She nodded good night.

“That looks like a great pie!” Josh said as she closed the door behind her. Jacki was already cutting it. There was silence for awhile as they both enjoyed the truly perfect apple pie that Verna had created for them.

“What a nice neighbour” Jacki said, “I wonder if all our neighbours are retired?”

“It is Edmonds,” said Josh.

Just then, they both heard shuffling and heavy breathing outside of the door. Then a steady banging sound started, as if someone was hitting the iron railing that led up the stairs to Number 3.

“Something’s out there,” Jacki whispered, suddenly scared.

“Sounds like a large animal,” said Josh, “I think it’s sniffing around our door.”

“I thought  cats were the largest animal we were allowed to have in the building?” Jacki said as the snuffling sound got louder, “Josh, it’s right at our door!”

“Don’t worry, Jacki, it can’t get in.” Josh laughed at her, “I’ll go shoo it away.”

“Be careful Josh! What if it’s some kind of guard dog?” But Josh thought the snuffling sounded friendly. He threw open the door. A large overweight Bernese Mountain dog looked up at him surprised and for a second the banging stopped as his tail went down. Then he let out a joyful bark,  bounded into the living room, spotted Jacki as she shrieked, and gave her a big lick on the knee.