Feeling Abandoned...

Ms. Mullins was the kind of neighbor who was nice enough to everyone, but people always wondered what she was really like. She was thoughtful, neat, friendly, and offered candy to the neighborhood kids each Halloween. It's funny, I remember how nice she smelled. One time, it was in the morning, I knocked on her door and she opened it while zipping that red dress she seemed to favor each Monday as she rushed off, screaming down the hallway for the elevator to be held for her. “Hiya honey. Can you zip this up for me?” She released the zipper from her over-her-back hold and turned around for me to grab it. I pulled it up, being careful not to come in contact with my feelings. She turned around, smiling, “Thanks. Honey, I’m in a rush this morning, what can I do for ya? Is everything perfect?” She smiled. I wasn’t sure what to say; I stammered. “I, I, I, I…. um [hard swallow].” She stared down at me. She tilted her head, “If you ever need to talk, I’m here. You can trust me. I will never tell anyone anything.” She grabbed her black purse from the table in the hall by the door. “Will you close the door for me and make sure it’s locked?” I complied. She raced down the hallway, shouting ahead, “Hold the elevator.” And, she was gone...