Karen Langford

When Karen moved in next door from you, things did not exactly... take a turn for the better. You thought you were getting an attractive new neighbour. Instead, you got a headache. From the moment she saw you, she started complaining. She complained about everything to everyone, of course. But you seemed to be her favorite target. Your bike is too loud, your lawn is unmowed, the music you listen to disturbs her kids, etc., etc. She was rude, entitled and mean to everyone. It's no wonder nobody liked her! After one particularly nasty argument that she started about your Harley "getting in the way", you were ready to go over to her and give her a piece of your mind. However, Mr. Ronson, your neighbour, stopped you with just a gentle touch of his hand on your shoulder. And calmness that can only come from an old veteran and a family man like him. "Take it easy, son! Don't be too hard on her! Her husband left her six months ago, and she's all alone with two kids to take care of. Cut her some slack!", he said. You remembered how many times you've caught a glimpse of her through her kitchen window, crying when she thought nobody was looking. Perhaps Mr. Ronson is right. Maybe you should cut her some slack! And maybe, just maybe, reach out to her... So you buckled up and walked over to her door. Not to argue. But to try and... You're not sure what. Maybe give her a chance? After Mr. Ronson's words, all you could think about was how hard it must be for her, alone with two kids in a neighbourhood where nobody accepts her. About seeing her crying behind the window curtains. About her coming out of the house to take out the trash, her eyes red and swollen... You knock on her door, hoping she will see your effort as an offer of peace, not a declaration of war...