The Neighbor - A Portrait In Courage

The white, high backed chair rocked forward, then paused as the man's feet, with the assistance of his walking stick, landed squarely in front of him. Artemis didn't need his hearing aid today. In truth, he didn't want to hear the commotion. But he had no choice.

Standing not more than two feet away in his yard were three teens. Horrified at the intense, foul words rushing out their mouths clearly directed at someone, he rose as quickly as he could, then paused at the end of his porch.

He recognized the teens. Troublemakers they were in his neighborhood. But he wasn't intimidated.

Hurriedly searching for the victim of the verbal attack, his eyes settled on the one person standing behind the bushes he knew didn't deserve it.

The verbal assault continued. "Hey beggar, aren't you the man who was in the free food line yesterday? What ya' living in this area for?"

His heart ached for the hard-working man whose expression, now stiff, continued edging his lawn.

Holding onto the pillar with one hand, Artemis held his mobile phone in the air with the other.

"This young man has my highest respect. I've got the police on emergency dial. I'd advise you to be about your own business or else!"

The teens, sensing the older man was a no-nonsense senior citizen, realized he'd witnessed their harassment. With fear on their faces, they scattered, then disappeared down the nearest cross street.

"Apologies, Manuel. Some youngsters today have no respect."

"No worries, Mr. Singleton." Manuel continued manicuring his lawn, but Artemis knew he was hurt; mostly embarrassed.

Artemis Singleton had his suspicions, but no idea the extent Manuel and his family were in need. He didn't pry. He knew Manuel was proud. He also knew that any man unable to provide for his family experienced a hurt that cut deep.

The teens only exacerbated the feelings.

The fact that the pandemic hit everyone hard in one way or another was no secret. His city of Manvalle was no exception. No matter your status, you could become a victim. He felt himself lucky to be retired with a stable monthly pension.

Over the past thirty years, Artemis experienced a different kind of hurt as he witnessed his quaint 60s era neighborhood, consisting of mostly ranch-type homes, transform into a newer, more modern suburb.

Gone was his wife along with the quiet evenings spent relaxing with her on the front porch.

A year ago, he stood on his lawn watching a real estate agent remove the rental sign in the home's yard next to his. Later that week, a moving truck parked in front of the house.

Finally, after ten years, a neighbor.

Artemis smiled as two children celebrated in their yard. He could tell they were excited. The family seemed friendly enough. Quiet adults with respectful children were a delight.

Over time, Manuel began manicuring Artemis' lawn as well as his own. Artemis never asked for the service, but offered to pay Manuel for his labor. Manuel refused.

Carlita, Manuel's wife, was a gracious host and fabulous cook. Pretending to instruct Artemis on the finer points of authentic Mexican cuisine, she'd cook, then leave him a delicious meal.

He looked forward to her visits, sharing his well-stocked pantry.

She organized his medications and spent her spare time helping with housekeeping. Artemis didn't feel as though he needed assistance, but the couple was a welcomed blessing.

The Aguilar's became his extended family.

Three months later, the visits ceased. Artemis noticed Manuel home only two weekends a month. Worried the couple were having marital problems, he approached Carlita.

"Is everything good with you and Manuel?" Turning, Carlita's puffy eyes told all. She hugged him, then rushed away.

The next day, Artemis discovered the landlord had issued an eviction notice. He didn't mention the officer he saw parked in front of their house.

That night, he set, what outsiders would consider "outrageous", into motion.

"You need a place to stay, and I need the company." He waited.

"But what about your children. Surely, they'll object to you taking in strangers," Carlita interrupted.

Adamant, Manuel shook his head. "Absolutely, not! We can't impose on your kindness. We'll find a solution."

"Everything is already worked out. Have you seen my family this past year?" Artemis smiled wryly.

Manuel and Carlita exchanged glances. They'd already discussed privately why anyone would leave their elderly family member unattended for long periods.

But accepting his offer may seem by some as though we're taking advantage of an elderly person's kindness.

That night, with no immediate solution, and a deadline to vacate the premises, the decision was made to accept Artemis' offer. A knock at his door resulted in a handshake and again numerous thanks.

Manuel made sure Artemis understood it was only for six months while he located steady employment.

The arrangement was perfect. No longer lonely, Artemis thrived in his now lively household. Content, he'd say.

But his peace was short lived.

First, his banking institution informed him that his future retirement monies were being rerouted.

Next, Artemis also discovered that, by way of another neighbor, his son felt that he was no longer able to control his affairs. Artemis was already suspicious of that neighbor the year his son moved away and secretly left him his contact information.

Finally, beginning the next month, Artemis would have to depend upon his son for his needs. But the most degrading aspect was that he would be required to provide a list of proposed expenditures. Afterward, he would need to forward the receipts.

Furious and rebelling against this unwarranted action, Artemis requested Carlita accompany him to town on urgent business.

Artemis withdrew the remaining money and opened a different account with Manuel and Carlita as co-signers.

Upset she'd discovered small sacks of cash, coins, and trading card binders under his bed and in closets, she voiced her concern, and Manuel agreed.

"Please remove these souvenirs from the house and place them in a safe deposit box." They didn't want any controversy should an item be misplaced or stolen.

Also, their living arrangement was now uncertain as the spying neighbor had apparently informed Artemis' son that they were taking advantage of him.

The news took a toll on Artemis.

No longer delighted in watching the children play, he sat quietly rocking on the front porch for several days. He wasn't worried about himself, but the Aguilar family.

Manuel had secured a full-time position. However, it would take them a few months to be completely set. What money he did make, he offered half to Artemis, unbeknown to the son and neighbor.

In life, the role of family can sometimes include those not born of your blood. Artemis began to dwell heavily on this as he recounted his life since the Arguilar family became part of it.

The next week, Artemis' son called with "good news".

Artemis would be moving in six months. Not to live with him, but in a local nursing home nearby. Considering selling his dad's home, he mentioned that he'd hired a real estate agent. He also informed his dad that he'd clear his calendar to visit soon.

It was while absorbing this devastating information that Carlita and Manuel found Artemis. Lying in bed, crying hysterically, he felt powerless as he beat his fists against the headboard.

"You'll make yourself sick, Mr. Singleton." Manuel attempted to calm him while Carlita prepared dinner.

They wanted to ensure nothing happened to him while in their care so as not to incur the wrath of his son. Furious at the news, they understood why his son was taking this action.

They agreed their association with Artemis was coming to an end.

A few days later, Artemis felt better. A much quieter countenance, he asked Manuel and Carlita to accompany him, then wait while he conducted an important matter. They didn't question.

He also requested they accompany him to the new bank to deposit the coins and souvenirs into a safe deposit box. Artemis made sure to add them as the only other individuals able to access the box.

His business completed, he treated the family to dinner later that evening as a 'thank you' for the joy they'd brought him.

A month later, an unexpected knock that evening took everyone by surprise.

Kyle had finally arrived.

He received a terse 'hello' as the air was thick with tension.

"I'd like to speak with my father. Alone. I'll call the police if you don't leave our home immediately!" Kyle waited for his dad to reinforce his statement.

Kyle looked at Manuel and Carlita with disgust, then inched closer to Manuel, who stood his ground.

"You forget yourself and the manners we tried to instill in you. These people are my guests. They're here by my invitation, and only I can order them to leave. And that's not what I want." Artemis had already rehearsed and was ready.

Livid, Kyle clenched his fists. His face was taunt. His eyes were steely as his brows touched. Nostrils flaring, he was about to speak.

Manuel and Carlita had never witnessed an exchange as this between parent and child. He didn't know his son. Artemis hadn't spoken of him, but an odd feeling of dislike overcame him.

"I hope you have a lawyer because you'll need one after forging my signature and rerouting my retirement funds." And another thing, my lawyer informed me of my elder rights. You can't force me to move or sell my house. If you'd been in my life these past years since your mom died, you'd know a thing or two. You'll find out the rest if you persist in this foolishness. Now leave my house and leave me the hell alone. I'm doing fine without you! Now, Artemis stood and faced Kyle.

Manuel motioned for Carlita to take the children outdoors.

"You've poisoned my father's mind. Get out of my house! I'm calling the police." Kyle knew his dad was not on his side, but still attempted to mount a feeble counterattack.

Manuel was waiting.

"I'll not fight you. It's not my place. However, I will report you as an elder care abuser for leaving your father in another state and not checking on him. It's apparent what your motives are." Kyle's height over Manuel wasn't an issue, as Manuel didn't flinch delivering his words he knew dug deep.

Nothing else was working, so Kyle resorted to the only attack he assumed would have an impact on Manuel.

"You don't know me. You need to return to the place you came from. You don't belong here."

"And what place is that you think I belong?" Manuel's shoulders heaved, then released.

Artemis picked up the telephone and calmly spoke. "Kyle, it's time for you to leave before I report you as trespassing. You're no longer welcome here."

Kyle had no choice but to leave. However, he vowed that this wasn't the end of the matter.

Once out of the house, Artemis apologized for the second time for the behavior of those slamming personal attacks against this man...his neighbor. And now his family.

The atmosphere calmer now, Artemis assured Manuel and Carlita that all would be well.

"You shouldn't have any more trouble out of Kyle. He's all bluster and no backbone. However, I need to tell you this now that my affairs are in order. Look under the bed."

Manuel did so and pulled out an old suitcase. In it were numerous papers and family photos.

Artemis extracted a wedding photo and handed it to Carlita. To Manuel, he gave a copy of his Last Will and Testament. He explained that the original was left with his lawyer the day they went to town.

Manuel read silently, then looked up at Artemis with tears in his eyes.

The Aguilar family would never have to leave that house. They'd never have to worry about finances again.

His neighbor. His family. He'd assured them of his love.