The sound of the car honk woke him from sleep, the light from the sun rays had moved to his face drawing a trapezium that rolled below his cheeks, he sighed then forced himself up the bed close enough to shift the curtains off his windows a little.
"New Neighbors" he murmured under his breath.
Bobby knew this day would come, he had enjoyed the time when his voice would echo from the empty apartment close to the tap.
He knew a family would rent it soon, houses never stayed empty too long in that area of the city.
Someone caught his eye, as the rather large family began unloading the boxes, each moving swiftly as though premeditated. Then his brother joined in the lookout and spoiled the moment.
"They don't know what they're walking into" Roy said, pulling his own share of the curtain away to get the view, he was never too far from his brother except when they came through the womb, which took him 5 years.
"I bet they won't stay a year before the lack of water chase them out" Roy continued, this time seeking the input of his big brother.
"I hope they stay" Bobby started, then stopped as the boys observed two young ladies huddling boxes from the car trunk.
"I like the older one" Roy went first, he always wanted to out do his position. Bobby kept his eyes on her, the younger one, she had caught his attention earlier as she worked swiftly.
He left the window to stretch his now sore arm having been resting on it since he got up.
"We need to buy fuel" he said, turning to Roy who hissed and walked out of the room.
"When I buy it you want charge your phone" Bobby roared at him.
"Stop me" Roy said, his voice barely audible.
The next day was normal, birds chirping their hearts out could across the algae-green fence that demarcated the compound from the bush behind. Bobby got ready for work and was stepping out when he saw something surprising.
There she was, the younger one washing the car with a boy that brought her water intermittently. He watched for awhile not been used to seeing a girl wash their father's car.
"Good morning" he said to the girl, ignoring her brother whose hands where covered with foam from the soap.
"Good morning" she replied, their eyes met and she didn't look away so they stayed that way for what felt like forever before another greeting pulled his eyes away. It was the brother fair, skinny and handsome.
Then Bobby remembered he didn't really look at the girl but it was too late now because had had replied the boy and was now reaching for the gate. It would be another month before they would see again.
This story is written with love to my lovely neighbour and friend, miss Ugo.