My Neighbour, Alvin

I think my poor neighbour, Alvin, lost his job.

I live in an apartment buidling. My nearest neighbours are Chinese and they live opposite me, their front door maybe less than 2 metres away from mine.

I moved into this apartment maybe ... i dont know, 8 years ago? He was single then, and I live alone as well.

There used to a symbiotic relationship between Alvin and I.

Whenever I had had a meeting in a far away venue and came home late, ( I usually try to shop in that vicinity and have dinner as well...) Alvin would make sure that his door was open, as though he was waiting up for me. When he heard me opening the door, he would come to his door and say in English, the direct translation of the Chinese, " Oh, you have come."

I would say nothing, but just smile and nod, and he would close his door.

If I had come home early, and he still hadn't come back, I would have my door open, and when he opened his door, I would say, " You are back, Alvin." ... - to which HE would nod and smile, as I closed MY door.

I realised later, that Alvin was not so well versed in the English Language, and he would bring me his official letters, and contracts that he needed to sign and ask me to read them and explain them to him.

Alvin had a hobby.. Birds. He would bring his birds out every Sunday morning to put them up in those high poles they have in the open spaces found in some housing estates. Always covered, I always wondered what exotic bird hid within the rattan bird-cages. I had curiosity rewarded one night.

Alvin hangs his bird cages out on weekends from his living room ledge so that the birds can get some sun. However, he knows that he is taking a risk from the hawks flying overhead.

I still remember, it was a Saturday. As usual, I was laid up on the couch, watching something, knowing me, probably Law & Order:SVU. Suddenly I heard the singing of a bird. It was so loud, it may as well have been next to my own ear. Naturally, I ignored it.

Much later, when I went into the room, and switched on the light, there was much flapping and calling! It was a most beautiful black bird that I had ever seen flapping about in my spare room! The window was open and she flew out.

Alvin later told me that she flew back into his home through his open window. They always came back when they were hungry he said.

Hungry. I wonder if Alvin is managing.