Member-only story
We’d been neighbours for nearly 3 years when we finally started to have longer conversations as we stood on our communal landing. I noticed he’d been around a lot more, he’d noticed I was working longer hours. We bonded over our work woes, financial situations and dislike of the neighbours downstairs. He disclosed that he’d quit his job and was starting his own business but his mom wasn’t pleased.
I disclosed I was being bullied by my boss and getting in to debt but I couldn’t get another job.
I asked if I could give him a hug. Surprisingly he agreed and stepped towards me, scooping me up in arms. He wrapped his arms round my waist and squeezed me to him. I stood on my tiptoes and slid my arms round his neck, hugging him. He hugged me tightly and held me in his embrace for a long time. It was the most satisfying hug I’d had in a long time.
“Sorry, I haven’t had any human contact for so long!” he laughed awkwardly as he stood back. “Since I left my job and I’m on my own most of the time…” he gestured towards his apartment. “You know?” he asked, smiling at me.
I nodded sympathetically. “I understand completely, don’t worry.” I said. “We should spend more time together. The rugby’s on this weekend, you should come over and we could watch it together.” I offered. He raised his eyebrows in thought. “Otherwise we’ll both be sitting on our…
