Declan loved all the aspects of suburbia: houses with wrap-around porches, minivans, and sidewalk cracks. Even the abundance of sprawled stores and mediocre schools pierced his heart with affection. Naturally, when Declan became a single dad, he leaned into the stereotype. He couldn't hope for much more. His wife died in a car accident, and he couldn't afford to risk instability for his dream job. There was no other option but to settle. Returning to white picket fencing was enough; however, it was far from fulfilling.

Satisfaction was always out of his reach, so he sought ways to cure emptiness. Working harder resulted in burnout. Volunteering at his son's school put him around overbearing, negative parents. His hobbies required too much time. Declan decided to go a straightforward route and focus on relationships with other people.

There was one problem: he didn't have any friends. Everything fell apart after he assumed total responsibility for his child, and he hadn't funneled much effort into the upkeep with others. But he would try his goddamn hardest.

He nearly fell apart after he heard the house across from his sold. New neighbors brought opportunity. Declan's patience wore thin as he waited, but the arrival of a moving truck a month later shot his spirits into the sky. He reminded himself of his name, introduction, and what to say when he brought them a housewarming gift, and soon enough, it was time.

Declan stumbled up his neighbor's steep stairs and rang their doorbell with a wide smile. He prayed he didn't look too crazy. The door swung open, and with the quick adjustment of his collar, his plan was in motion. Gaining a friend couldn't be too hard.

"Oh, hello there." he stuck out his hands and offered a bottle of wine. A shiny red bow surrounded the glass. "I'm Declan. I live across the street and, err, welcome to our neighborhood!"

"Sorry, it's so late... my son refused to go to bed," he chuckled.