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Walking the hallway of the sixth floor will basically always involve an interaction from a neighbour. No matter the time there will always be someone to bump into, some sort of noise from behind the door or even sticky notes left on the doors and elevators. The apartment manager is barely about which is seen through the chipping paint on the walls and the flickering lights in the stairway. If you asked everyone who the manager actually was you would be met with a lot of confused looks. Despite that, the apartments themselves aren’t in a bad condition, not the best but still liveable.
When Niki decided to move in with Puffy, she didn’t quite realise what she was getting herself into. Moving into a new flat is one thing but moving into a flat on the sixth floor was its own experience. They weren’t just neighbours there they treated each other like family. They looked out for each other, stuck up for each other and relied on each other. So, to live on that floor would mean a lot more than just moving in and Niki was ready for that commitment.
Word got around fast that there was going to be someone new to the floor. Excitement buzzed in the air as talks of a welcome party started and sticky notes being left about what days people are free. Despite Niki visiting Puffy’s flat many times before; she has never actually met any of the other residences. Names have been picked up from different conversations and basic information noted but she’s never had a face to put to these names. All she knew from the information gathered was that there was a family of four living in flat 6/3 and she would probably get along with her future neighbour in 6/6.
When moving into a new place all you want to do is drop the boxes and fall into bed. Niki wasn’t so lucky as she was dragged up to the roof the minute the last of the boxes were placed down. At first, she was a bit pissed at first wanting to be under a cover with a pillow and not outside with the cold wind and lack of comfort. However, when the door to the roof opened, she had a change of heart. Outside was a small barbeque with a table of beers next to it and a small gathering of people and a few deck chairs. A makeshift banner was hung up on a washing line with words “welcome Niki” scribbled on with multiple colours that made it look messy but warmed Niki’s heart.
As soon as they were noticed there was a shout of “finally” from a blonde kid in the back and a man who introduced himself as Phil offering them food and drink. It didn’t take long for Niki to settle in a seat and meet everyone there, the want to sleep quickly left as she was energised from the jokes and conversations happening.
The night went quickly and Niki went to bed happy knowing she’s now living in a community filled with people who were kind and accepted her.