Noisy neighbour (story told through texts)
Covid Chronicles
Tuesday 9 June 2020
Fabrice, my temporary French landlord, at 1023 pm:
‘Hi Beatrice, sorry to bother you; if you can reduce a little bit your sound level as neighbours can hear it from their bedrooms. Many thanks, Fabrice’
I respond somewhat incoherently, flustered and embarrassed, at 10.47:
‘Oh I’m sorry. Is it happening now? I’ve turned it off. Beatrice’
Wednesday 10 June 2020
Fabrice at 7.42 am
Thanks. The garden house has a very good insulation but sometimes at a high level the sound creates a vibration that can be heard outdoors. Have a good day.
I reply, at 7.47am taking time out from my daily Buddhist practice; pleased at being able to explain my actions.
‘Fabrice, I’m a little deaf and hadn’t realised how high I had the volume or how late it was. Also, being here, at the end of your garden I hadn’t realised how close I am to other people’s bedrooms or how sound carries. I’ll pay more attention to all that from now on. Thanks for contacting me immediately so I could put things right. Have a good day.’
Fabrice: at 8.37am
‘No worries Beatrice. As mentioned, the strong insulation and double glass windows reduce a lot of any noise. Do not hesitate to continue to hear music!’
I respond at 8.41am
Thanks very much. I won’t. Last night I was listening to a talking book not music. From now on I’ll use my iPad or iPhone for my bedtime listening. Thanks again for being understanding.
I was the noisy neighbour disturbing the peace of a quiet road.
I love communication.