The dark of night slowly dissipates and you feel the gentle sunlight touching your eyelids. The soft silence is gradually replaced by subtle sounds and voices outside your bedroom window. Parents are taking their kids to school and the sound of cars can be heard as they begin to trundle by.
Another day has arrived, and the birds begin to chirp. You pull the blankets around you and lay there for a few more moments, stretching from your toes to your fingertips. You’re ready to seize the day, because you never know what opportunities are about to come your way. Before you head off to work, you look forward to your usual quiet, relaxing breakfast. You walk into the kitchen ready to prepare it, and then suddenly BANG, SOMEONE’S SHOUTING and A DOG STARTS BARKING!
Your new neighbors next door are slamming their doors and cupboards, and through the walls you hear an argument begin to erupt. You can’t hear exactly what is being said, but tensions are rising and their little dog seems distressed.
Your bright and sunny daily forecast suddenly has dark clouds rolling in. You feel some physical tension creeping into your jaw and neck. Your breathing becomes a bit faster and shallower. Your mind begins to wonder; “Is this just a one-off? Will this be the new daily norm with these newcomers next door? Have my peaceful mornings been forever shattered? “ Your heart sinks.