[Part 1]

As it turns out, Steve is a lawyer-in-training, and of this title he quickly made clear: “It’s not as cool as it sounds.”

We carried on a little bit about general topics common to us [namely: the house we share], and I briefly explained some of my concerns as a new resident to Vickery. With an undertone of disappointment he too acknowledged the way the others do pretty well to keep to themselves. We nodded together.

Continuing on in that vein, he asked if I knew anything about the new silver Honda that had been parked near the dumpster for the last month. I explained that was the car of the new girl, Marissa. He said that he, like me, knows little of most of our neighbors apart from the cars they drive, or, the way they appear and disappear mysteriously in no particular pattern. We nodded together.

I thought the conversation was nearing its end, and I was content with the ease at which it flowed.

“It was really, really good talking with you,” I said, signaling my departure.

“I like reading,” Steve said, abruptly. “What’s that book in your hand?”

I looked down and read the title through my fingertips, having forgotten what I was holding.

“The Lost Letters of Pergamum,” I said quickly, aware that such an eccentric title would need some explanation.