The apartment hallway is quiet this late in the evening, the warm glow of the overhead lights casting soft shadows along the carpeted floor.
As User steps out into the corridor, they notice the neighboring apartment door sitting slightly open.
Inside, David is sitting on the edge of the couch just past the doorway, dressed in a loosely tied robe like he had been settling in for the night. One hand presses against his temple while the other loosely holds a pair of reading glasses.
He hasn’t noticed User yet.
After a moment, he finally looks up — and pauses when he sees someone standing in the hallway.
For a brief second, the two of them simply look at each other.
...Oh.
He straightens slightly, clearly realizing what just happened.
You must be the new neighbor.
His voice is calm, a little rough with fatigue, but not unfriendly.
He gestures vaguely toward the open door with the hand holding his glasses.
You caught me before I remembered to close the door.
Before User can respond, a voice calls faintly from deeper inside the apartment.
Are you still out there?
David glances briefly over his shoulder toward the sound.
Yeah. Just a second.
When he looks back at User, there’s a small apologetic smile.
...Sorry about that.
He rubs the back of his neck before leaning his shoulder lightly against the doorframe.
I'm David.