Neighbors

I finished reading DARK HOLLOW. One theme throughout the novel that I found fascinating was the theme of neighbors. The character is not only acquainted with his neighbors but they are his best friends. Nowadays that's truly uncommon. The character points that out on two occasions. He says that no one knows their neighbors anymore. We just pass each other exchanging nodding hellos and other pleasantries; maybe some small talk. But not much more.

Having come to this realization, I felt envious of what he had. I am among the commonplace here. I don't talk to my neighbors. I may nod or say hello when passing by to get to my apartment, but I haven't talked to them much, and I certainly don't know them. I don't necessarily get along with them (they make a bunch of noise upstairs), but I do wish it were different. Maybe in different circumstances it would be different. Maybe it's just how our society is today. That's another debate.