A bunch of SUNSHINE

It was spring – time for a fresh start – but was Louise ready?

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Louise stared at the note she’d just picked up off the doormat. It must have been pushed through the letter box after she’d left for work early that morning. She unfolded the sheet of thick cream paper and sat down at the kitchen table to read the looping handwriting inside.

‘Dear neighbour(s) at number 3, I’m having a house-warming party on Saturday at 7pm, so hope the noise doesn’t disturb you too much. I’d love it if you’d like to come – it would be great to meet you. Otherwise, hopefully bump into you soon. Best wishes, Megan (at number 5).’

Louise had seen the removals van unloading but hadn’t wanted to rush round straightaway. She thought she’d let her new neighbour get settled first. It felt different now there was no Simon, though. She knew it was silly, she was a grown woman, but somehow it felt scarier going over to introduce herself alone.

She hadn’t felt very sociable since their split. She’d wanted to put the pieces of herself back together in private. Hadn’t even seen much of her friends and family since he’d left a month ago.

She decided to keep an eye out for Megan so she could thank her for the note and say she was busy. Megan probably knew plenty of people already. Enough to host a house-warming party, anyway.