The Balcony

Our neighbor and I never really talked.

But every evening, we were both on our balconies.

Me with tea.

Her with a book.

We didn't know each other's names.

Months passed.

Then one evening, her balcony was empty.

The next day, empty again.

A week later, someone told me her family had moved away.

I never even knew her name.

But for some reason, the next evening, I still went to the balcony at the same time.

Habit, I guess.

I looked at the empty balcony.

And smiled.

It's strange how someone can become part of your daily life...

without ever becoming part of your conversation.