5. NEIGHBOURS

Alina carefully arranged the cookies in small, neatly tied bags, each one adorned with a ribbon that matched the cheerful wrapping paper. Her new condo was starting to feel a bit more like home, and today, she decided it was time to introduce herself to the neighbors. Jace had always been the more outgoing one, but Alina wanted to make an effort to create a sense of community in this new place.

As she finished packing the last bag, she glanced around the room, satisfied with her work. The aroma of freshly baked cookies filled the air, adding a comforting warmth to the otherwise modern, minimalist space. Taking a deep breath, she picked up the tray of cookie bags and made her way to the door.

The hallways of the condo building were quiet as she stepped out, but they soon came alive with friendly greetings as she knocked on each door.

The first door she knocked on opened almost immediately, revealing an elderly woman with bright eyes and a warm smile.

“Hello there, dear!” the woman greeted, her voice tinged with surprise and delight.

“Hi! I’m Alina,” she said, offering the woman a cookie bag. “I just moved in across the hall and wanted to say hello.”

“Oh, how sweet of you!” the woman exclaimed, taking the bag with both hands as if it were a precious gift.

“I’m Mrs. Lawrence. I’ve lived here for years. It’s so nice to have a young person around!”

They chatted for a few minutes, Mrs. Lawrence sharing a few tidbits about the building and the other residents. As they talked, Alina felt a sense of warmth spread through her.

There was something comforting about the older woman’s presence, as if she were being welcomed by a caring grandmother.

"You should stay here, more!" Invited the lady but she turned it down for another day as she replied,

"I would love to, but I have to make some impression today!"

"Go ahead and break a leg!" Lawrence chirped hugging Alina making feel more than welcomed.

She walked to the second door, with a giant smile on her face.

The second door led her to a young couple, still in their pajamas despite the late hour. They laughed when they saw the cookies, apologizing for their casual appearance.

“We just got back from a long trip and haven’t even unpacked yet,” the woman explained, a sheepish grin on her face.

“I’m Emily, and this is my husband, Jake.”

“Nice to meet you both,” Alina said with a smile. “Welcome back, and I hope you enjoy the cookies.”

“Thank you so much,” Jake said, accepting the bag with a grateful nod. “We’ll have to return the favor once we’re settled.”

The next few doors opened to a variety of faces—some young, some old, all different, but each one welcoming her with genuine kindness. A middle-aged man who worked nights and appreciated the late-hour visit, a young mother juggling twin toddlers who eagerly accepted the cookies, and a quiet woman in her twenties who blushed shyly as she introduced herself.

She entered the lift, smile not leaving her face as she pressed ground floor button and ride down the elevator.

At the seventh door, Alina met Mr. Patel, a retired professor with a penchant for philosophical conversations. He invited her in for tea, but she politely declined, promising to return for a longer chat another day.

The eighth door revealed a teenage boy with headphones draped around his neck. He looked surprised to see her, but his face lit up when she handed him the bag.

“Thanks,” he mumbled, a hint of a smile breaking through his aloof demeanor. “I’m Sam, by the way.”

“Nice to meet you, Sam,” Alina said, her voice kind. “I’m just across the hall if you ever need anything.”

She moved to another door with wide smile.
The ninth door took a little longer to open, and when it finally did, Alina was greeted by a woman in her thirties who looked exhausted, dark circles under her eyes. Despite her tired appearance, the woman’s face softened when she saw the cookies.

“Oh, that’s so kind of you,” she said, her voice heavy with fatigue. “I’m Karen. I just moved in a few weeks ago too. It’s been... a lot.”

“I understand,” Alina replied, offering a sympathetic smile. “Moving can be really stressful. If you ever need help with anything, just let me know.”

Karen smiled back, a small but genuine gesture, and Alina left her with a promise to check in again soon.

At the tenth door, Alina found herself face-to-face with an older man who looked at her with a stern expression that slowly softened as she introduced herself.

“Cookies, huh?” he grunted, taking the bag with a nod. “I’m Mr. Thompson. Don’t usually get visitors, but this is... nice. Thanks.”

“You’re welcome, Mr. Thompson,” Alina replied, offering him a warm smile. “It’s nice to meet you.”

The eleventh door led to a small family—a father, mother, and a little girl who squealed with delight at the sight of the cookies. The parents were kind and welcoming, and the little girl’s excitement brought a smile to Alina’s face.

Finally, Alina reached the twelfth door. By now, her heart was full from all the kindness she had encountered, but there was still a small knot of nervousness in her stomach. She knocked gently, waiting for a response.

The door opened slowly, revealing a man in his late twenties, his eyes tired but kind. He seemed a bit surprised to see her, but his surprise quickly turned into a warm smile.

“Hello,” he said, his voice soft. “Can I help you?”

“Hi, I’m Alina,” she said, holding out the last bag of cookies. “I just moved in and wanted to say hello.”

The man’s smile widened as he accepted the bag. “That’s really thoughtful of you,” he said.

“I’m Luke. I’ve been living here for a few months now, but it’s great to finally meet a new neighbor.”

They chatted for a few moments, Luke sharing a bit about himself and Alina doing the same. There was a sense of ease in their conversation, and as she walked away, Alina felt a deep sense of connection.

As she made her way out of the building, Alina’s heart swelled with gratitude. The warmth of her neighbors had chased away the loneliness that had lingered since she moved in. The building, once just a place to live, now felt like a community—a place where she could belong.