The Storm Before the Calm: Chapter 19

It only took an hour or so for that morning’s adrenaline to wash away and be replaced by bleak emptiness, as reality set in. We had another viewing that afternoon, and while we waited for the agent we mostly sat out on the pavement in sombre silence.

 

There was an elderly gentleman sitting in his open garage nearby, and we struck a conversation with him while we waited. He was working on some traditional fishing baskets while listening to some oldies on a black dusty radio. Man, what I would do to reach that level of serenity and simplicity. Without going into too much detail, we told him how difficult it was to find something nice these days. Before making our way he wished us luck and continued whistling to his 80s tunes. It was enough to draw half a smile from me.

 

The listing really was a nice one. Fully furnished, very modern, ready to move into. It was perfect – if you were a bachelor or a couple not planning to have kids. Sure, you could put up a wall or two to divide a room, but then you’re just turning spacious areas into cells. Why does everywhere and everything feel so small?

 

Sometimes I begin to question my own sanity. Surely it can’t just be me asking these questions? Properties are becoming smaller and smaller aren’t they? You go to blocks of flats, and everyone has shoe racks outside their doors, in the common area. When did this become universally accepted?

 

No, I’m not insane. This very recent article proves it. This one too.

 

Now, you might ask me – what’s the rush? It’s been 48 hours since you realised you have to seek something new. Take it easy, take your time.

 

Well, it might have been “official” for only 2 days. But we’ve been in limbo for many months, from having little direction, to now having no direction. And we did our research. We know what’s out there, and there’s not much to go by.

 

We know what’s out there. There’s… well, there’s this quaint little house. A bit old, nothing flashy – after all, we did forget to go see it before when we were supposed to. Twice. It requires a lot of work – is it a lot? I mean, it’s not impossible to deal with. It has a nice, square-ish layout.