The Quiet New Neighbor

Mira moved into apartment 4B last month. Her new neighbor was a quiet man named Osric. Every morning, she waved at him in the hallway. He never waved back.

Mira felt sure he did not like her. She stopped saying hello. She just walked past his door in silence.

One Saturday, the building held a small courtyard breakfast. Mira went with a plate of muffins. Osric sat alone at a table.

She almost turned around. Instead, she sat down next to him. "Good morning," she said, a little loud.

Osric smiled and pointed to his ear. "I have trouble hearing," he said. "I never saw you wave. I am sorry."

Mira understood everything now. She was wrong about him. She was not angry. She was glad to know the truth.

"Do you want a muffin?" she asked. Osric nodded and took one. They talked about the building and the noisy elevator. They both liked the same morning coffee.

After breakfast, Mira waved at Osric again. This time, she stood right in front of him. He waved back with a big smile.

After that day, they waved at the mailboxes every day. Osric even left his door open. He listened for her steps. Mira tapped twice before she knocked.

A month later, Osric taught Mira a few signs. She learned the sign for "hello" and for "friend." She used them every morning in the hallway.

Other neighbors noticed the change. They started to wave at each other too. The whole floor felt friendly now.