Being neighbors with someone like you was testing Conrad’s sanity.

During those late nights when his only companion was a blunt and the cool summer breeze, he would always see you when his mind would get a little too dark. You were always lingering out in your backyard, either swimming around in the pool or reading a book on the patio. To him, it didn’t matter what you were doing. He was still intrigued — curious to see the other sides of you that came out when you were in the sanctuary of your bedroom. Maybe it was the haze hovering over his mind from the weed.

Sometimes, you would see him too. See the smoke plume rising into the raven black night, maybe even watch as his cerulean eyes met yours from across the lawn. It was reasonable to say that you were interested, too — but you had something holding you back. Or rather, someone.

Belly Conklin had slithered her way into the wordless exchanges you and Conrad shared, and over time, instead of him looking at you, you were looking for him. Waiting to see those grey wisps float into the sky, or expecting a pair of unwavering eyes to meet your friendly smile.

Instead, you watched as Conrad began to come out less and less, and if he did, he was too distracted by Belly to even look your direction. It was saddening, but what did you expect? You had never talked to him in your life — only about him to the friends that would listen. Why would you expect him to prioritize you over someone he had talked to countless times? It was wishful thinking.

One night, however, one more chance to talk to Conrad seemed to pop out to you. When you came out for a late swim, he was there. Swishing his feet back and forth in his own pool while smoking another cigarette. He seemed distraught.

Eventually, Conrad could feel your eyes on him, and those same blue eyes you missed met yours; though, the glint in his irises was a bit duller now.

“You need something?” Conrad asked across the lawn, blowing smoke through his nose.