He leans to flick on the outside light, illuminating the hero gazing into the apartment. Silhouetted against hazy city light, Karl can make out the man tug off a mask, letting long hair free.Ī smile that warms his chest breaks over his lips, and he pushes from his desk. Sure enough, a recognizable figure settles to lean over his railing, facing the door. It’s nearing midnight, and he’s about to call it for the night when a familiar sound has his head turning to the balcony doors. Karl is hunched over his desk, struggling with homework and vehemently fighting yawns that break his concentration. ‘ He’ being the person that is the sole reason for his love-hate relationship with his balcony. It’s on cool September evening when he visits again. Not the most gorgeous of places, but it’s been home for three years. His balcony, admittedly, doesn’t have the nicest view- only the worn siding and brick of surrounding buildings, the cramped parking lot beneath him, and a single tree occupying the patch of grass that is supposedly the yard. Rent doesn’t empty his bank account, and it’s in a secluded area of the city that houses other apartments, small businesses, and shops. The complex is cramped, yet spacious enough to allow for a balcony that fits two chairs and a stool. After Karl’s apologetic batch of slightly burnt cookies, they become good friends. Luckily, Tina’s an angel, and didn’t hold it against him. And below him is a university student he had run into after a long night, exhausted and accidently attempting to break into her room. To the left is a young, quiet, foreign couple Karl has yet to formally meet. To the right is an old woman named Bethel and her family of cats. The apartment above him belongs to his two friends, Dream and George.

Karl would be worried about the little privacy thing, if he hadn’t been blessed with good neighbors. With its confining walls on either side and thick railing leading seven stories downwards, it offers little privacy from the neighboring apartments. The balcony is both Karl’s favourite and least favourite thing.

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