Neighborly Behavior by Aysel Atamdede

When they arrive, no matter the hour, make sure to listen the knock. Answer the door with a smile and offer them your hand. Make sure you’re wearing your favorite ring – the iron one, heavy and thick. If they refuse, nod in understanding and ask them to meet you at the side door; they can take the path around the left of the house, through the vegetable garden. Make sure you stay inside, and slide on your silver bracelets as you go. They’ll be waiting by the kitchen door, hands clasped and head held high. You’ve always got a treat baking in the oven, several on the counter ready to be served, a berry pie or a sweetbread or other assorted pastries. Slide open the glass door, but take care to keep inside the doorjamb. Your visitor should be polite, waiting to see if you extend an invitation to enter. 

Don’t. 

Make small talk if you want but choose your words carefully and don’t talk too much about yourself. If they ask your name, give them your nickname. Never tell them your real name. Offer them a drink, some food. If they accept, retrieve a pastry and hold it by the edges. Keep your hands inside. They will reach for it, their hands halting at the boundary to your home. Hold the pie out carefully and slowly until they can grasp it. If they don’t eat it immediately, don’t be upset. Perhaps they wish to save it for the rest of their journey. If you have extras, offer a second pie. 

They will refuse. Offer it again. 

They will refuse. Offer a third time. 

If they accept, hand it over. They will offer a trinket in return. Smile, thank them for the gift, and clarify it is in exchange for the second treat. If it is, ask them to leave it in the mailbox on their way out. If not, politely refuse it three times. They will then take their leave, not wanting to take up any more of your time. Slide the door shut and lock it, then head to the front door to see them down the front path. Wave goodbye and remind them you’ll always have a treat ready should they stop by again. 

They won’t. 

But they thank you for your kindness nonetheless and will spread the word of your generosity. Be prepared to watch until they disappear around the corner. Spin the ring on your finger three times and polish the iron door knocker, then get to work on your next pie. There will always be another visitor, and you’ll be ready. 

Aysel Atamdede is a writer and educator from Southern California, and the Executive Content Manager at 60 Seconds Magazine. Much of her work focuses on horror and fantasy, and divides her time between writing and tabletop games. Her work has appeared in Geek Girl Authority and The Penmen Review.