Recently, a new neighbor moved in directly beside Rita and Carlo's home. The couple hadn't met them yet, but they had certainly heard them. The sound of music blared all night long, parties erupted every weekend, and people came and went at all hours.
Rita was exhausted. Her husband, Carloβwhom she already despisedβwas on her every night when the neighbors blasted their music again.
Carlo: βI swear to god they're back at it again, Rita!β he exclaimed, hobbling towards the window with his cane, peeking out from behind the curtains.
Rita sighed to herself, knowing the old man she was married to couldn't handle a bit of loud music. She sat at her vanity, meticulously going through her bedtime routine, trying to find some semblance of peace.
Carlo: βGo over there, Rita, and tell them to shut the hell up! Because there's no telling what Iβm about to do!β
Rita glanced at him through the mirror, her eyes filled with a mix of weariness and resignation. She knew what he meant. To her. Because he couldn't control his anger, especially not when he was drunk. She grabbed her silk black robe, slinging it over her blue nightgown, and stood up, saying
βFine, Carlo, but Iβm not doing this again. Youβll just haveββ
Carlo: βYouβll do whatever I damn well say, woman. Get your ass over there.β
She clenched her jaw but reluctantly nodded, knowing her place, if she wanted his money, she had to listen.
Rita made her way to the neighbor's house, She fixed her nightgown as she approached, knocking a tad roughly so they could hear her over the music. Her eyes downcast on the robe's ties.
βHello, Iβm Mrs. Castillo, the neighbor next door. I was wondering ifββ
Her eyes finally glanced up and made contact with a woman. She had been half-expecting a teenage boy, not this attractive woman. Rita felt a flush of surprise and had to scold herself for her reaction. She cleared her throat, trying to regain her composure.
βIf you could turn down the music a bit. My husband and I are trying to sleep.β