1 00:00:00,000 --> 00:00:05,280 There's no other way to explain how I feel. It's as if I hear the words but my mind hasn't 2 00:00:05,280 --> 00:00:13,280 registered it yet. Burned? Freya. I face the window and wince as the pounding headache surfaces again. 3 00:00:14,320 --> 00:00:20,000 How? How can Caleb be so cruel? I mean he can be evil but I didn't think he would go as far as 4 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:25,760 to burn my house to the ground. No, this is him. He'll do something like this. 5 00:00:25,760 --> 00:00:31,680 I'm sorry. When I returned home yesterday morning for a change of clothes, I saw it. 6 00:00:32,240 --> 00:00:34,560 No one knew it was on fire until it was too late. 7 00:00:35,360 --> 00:00:40,320 Now I don't even want him to see me crying. Everything I own and worked for has gone up in 8 00:00:40,320 --> 00:00:46,720 flames. That man has done nothing but make my life a living hell. I thought it had been me. 9 00:00:47,600 --> 00:00:53,040 I thought I was overreacting. That I wasn't good enough. But no more excuses. 10 00:00:53,040 --> 00:01:00,080 Caleb has pulled the last straw. And now that he's done the unthinkable, I'll make him pay. 11 00:01:01,120 --> 00:01:04,320 He'll be rotting in that cell for as long as I can keep him there. 12 00:01:06,000 --> 00:01:09,040 I can't believe he would do something like that. Arson? 13 00:01:10,000 --> 00:01:17,760 I face Alex feeling a slight jab in my rib. I can believe that. And now here comes the judgment. 14 00:01:17,760 --> 00:01:22,960 Here comes the scrutiny about why I'm still with a man like that. Why I chose to stay despite 15 00:01:22,960 --> 00:01:28,880 him beating me to a pulp. I know that look in Alex's eyes. And when I think he'll ask me, 16 00:01:29,440 --> 00:01:34,320 he doesn't say anything. Only rake his fingers through his dark, messy hair. 17 00:01:35,920 --> 00:01:42,000 Caleb and I go way back. We met in college. He was a sweetheart. He'd come from a partially 18 00:01:42,000 --> 00:01:47,840 wealthy family so he'd used that to woo me with expensive gifts. I never had to worry about anything. 19 00:01:47,840 --> 00:01:53,280 I barely used my money in college since I met him and I was happy about that. My mom had died 20 00:01:53,280 --> 00:01:58,080 leaving me with my abusive father and when I'd gotten the scholarship, it had been the fastest 21 00:01:58,080 --> 00:02:05,280 I bolted from home. I haven't seen my father since then. I was on my own. So when Caleb came along, 22 00:02:05,280 --> 00:02:11,280 everything had been rainbows and sunshine. And it had been like that up until we graduated. 23 00:02:11,280 --> 00:02:20,640 Caleb graduated first and then me a year later. Caleb hadn't been an angel but was much more 24 00:02:20,640 --> 00:02:26,880 tolerable than my father. However, his behavior worsened in my final years of college. He'd 25 00:02:26,880 --> 00:02:33,920 gotten overprotective and didn't want me talking with anyone. Mostly men. I remember that faithful 26 00:02:33,920 --> 00:02:38,400 night when I'd finished my final exam for the semester and my classmates wanted to chill at a 27 00:02:38,400 --> 00:02:42,560 night club. I knew Caleb would have said no so I ignored his calls and texts all evening. 28 00:02:43,520 --> 00:02:48,640 I'd gone out and had fun ignoring the dozens of calls on my phone. But he'd been sitting on the 29 00:02:48,640 --> 00:02:55,040 floor leaning against my door when I returned to my apartment, albeit tipsy. Caleb followed me into 30 00:02:55,040 --> 00:03:01,280 my apartment and began yelling. But the worst part was that my colleague who had given me a lift home 31 00:03:01,280 --> 00:03:06,000 had found my apartment to drop off my scarf. I'd forgotten it in his van. 32 00:03:06,000 --> 00:03:13,360 After the guy left, Caleb went livid, accusing me of cheating. No matter how many times I told him 33 00:03:13,360 --> 00:03:20,720 I wasn't, he kept at it, even calling me derogatory names. And somehow a fuse had blown in me. 34 00:03:21,920 --> 00:03:25,280 I yelled back at him and told him to get the fuck out of my apartment. 35 00:03:25,920 --> 00:03:30,160 But the moment the words left my mouth, Caleb's hand had slashed across my face. 36 00:03:30,160 --> 00:03:36,160 I'd been so shocked that I didn't know how to respond. He'd never raised his hand at me. 37 00:03:37,120 --> 00:03:42,480 He apologized of course, but I still couldn't believe it. If I had known better, I would have 38 00:03:42,480 --> 00:03:47,920 ended the relationship there, but I kept thinking it was a mistake. Honestly, it hadn't been that. 39 00:03:48,480 --> 00:03:54,640 It was more about him taking care of me and not worrying about my next meal. So I let it slide. 40 00:03:54,640 --> 00:03:59,200 Caleb behaved well for a few months, showering me with expensive gifts and dates, 41 00:03:59,200 --> 00:04:04,640 but little by little he displayed some micro-aggression, slapping my hand, shoving me, 42 00:04:04,640 --> 00:04:10,080 or even squeezing my neck. I'd left it alone because I had graduated and moved in with him. 43 00:04:10,640 --> 00:04:16,320 I was still jobless and he was the provider. It was easier to tolerate him than being homeless, 44 00:04:16,320 --> 00:04:24,080 but his behavior worsened and worsened. And here I am, in the hospital, with nothing. 45 00:04:25,280 --> 00:04:26,880 I guess this one is on me. 46 00:04:26,880 --> 00:04:32,240 So, what are you gonna do? Do you have a family? A friend? 47 00:04:33,440 --> 00:04:39,920 I shake my head, thinking about what's next is just painful. I've invested everything and lost everything. 48 00:04:41,040 --> 00:04:43,040 I'm sorry, did I say something? 49 00:04:43,040 --> 00:04:45,920 No, I'm just… 50 00:04:45,920 --> 00:04:49,440 Please don't cry, I'm sure everything is going to be alright. 51 00:04:50,480 --> 00:04:55,280 The only reason why my eyes are filled with tears is because I honestly don't know how to feel. 52 00:04:55,840 --> 00:05:00,640 I'm still trying to wrap my head around him burning everything. My clothes, my house, 53 00:05:01,680 --> 00:05:05,440 every damn thing. What am I supposed to do? 54 00:05:05,440 --> 00:05:08,480 Caleb was the only person that meant something to me. 55 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:12,480 The only person I had in my life, and he did this. 56 00:05:13,120 --> 00:05:16,240 Alex rubs the side of his cheek and sighs loudly. 57 00:05:17,040 --> 00:05:21,440 I know I have a job and I can easily find a place to rent, but I have a loan now to pay, 58 00:05:21,440 --> 00:05:27,840 and have nothing to show for it. I mean, I can claim insurance, but there's a whole long process for that shit. 59 00:05:29,120 --> 00:05:34,240 You? You can stay with me? Well, until you find something. 60 00:05:34,240 --> 00:05:38,240 Alex digs his fingers in his hair again, seeming highly agitated. 61 00:05:39,280 --> 00:05:42,480 I… I don't want to impose that's probably not a good idea. 62 00:05:43,680 --> 00:05:46,480 Do you have somewhere to stay? Maybe someone you know? 63 00:05:47,280 --> 00:05:48,480 I shake my head. 64 00:05:49,280 --> 00:05:51,280 Then I'm offering you a place. 65 00:05:52,240 --> 00:05:55,680 He pauses as if to think about what he's actually offering me. 66 00:05:56,880 --> 00:05:59,440 I have a lot of space where you can stay with me. 67 00:05:59,440 --> 00:06:03,440 I peer up at him. I never thought Alex would have offered me anything. 68 00:06:04,480 --> 00:06:09,600 This man is sitting at my bedside and has spent two days with me, and now he wants me to stay with him. 69 00:06:10,880 --> 00:06:18,400 Are you sure? I ask. It may be easy for him to offer, but I know it might be hard for him to accept me in his home. 70 00:06:19,680 --> 00:06:22,880 Definitely. I mean, part of this is my fault, right? 71 00:06:23,680 --> 00:06:25,680 None of this is my fault. 72 00:06:25,680 --> 00:06:27,680 I mean, part of this is my fault, right? 73 00:06:28,720 --> 00:06:32,720 None of this is your fault, Alex. Caleb was the one who did this to me. 74 00:06:33,680 --> 00:06:34,720 Yeah, but… 75 00:06:34,720 --> 00:06:44,720 I shake my head. No more picking up for him. No more placing blame on myself or others. It was him. All him. 76 00:06:45,680 --> 00:06:50,720 But I mean it, Freya. You can stay with me until you get back on your feet. It's the least I can do. 77 00:06:50,720 --> 00:07:13,760 Why does life have to be so complicated? It's embarrassing enough that he's seeing me like this, that he knows what I'm going through or what I've been through. I feel like he's pitying me. I stare at him for some time and I know he's waiting for me to accept. But is this right? Is it really right for me to stay with a stranger and the guy I've been distantly intimate with? 78 00:07:14,720 --> 00:07:16,720 Alex exhales a breath and stands. 79 00:07:16,720 --> 00:07:25,760 Maybe I should just give you some time. I don't fault you for having to think about this. It's strange, I know. I'll check in on you later, alright? 80 00:07:26,720 --> 00:07:28,720 He makes a turn for the door and I call out to him. 81 00:07:28,720 --> 00:07:34,720 Wait. Alex pauses and turns around. Yes. Yes, I'll stay with you. 82 00:07:34,720 --> 00:07:52,720 Four days have passed since my doctor gave me the clearance to leave and I'm still reeling from everything that's happened. I'm sitting in the back of Alex's car and despite not ever seeing him driving it, it seems to be in pristine condition. Maybe he knew he would be picking me up because it's so clean. It smells like brand new. 83 00:07:52,720 --> 00:08:10,720 My body still aches but it's much better than when I first woke up. When Alex pulls up at his house, everything seems surreal. My house is gone. It's a charred frame with plenty of burnt wood and what's left of my furniture. It's a complete eyesore for the neighborhood and I know I'll have to do something about it quickly. But right now I just need to lie down. 84 00:08:10,720 --> 00:08:20,720 This guy is such a gentleman. He's nothing like what the neighbors played him out to be. He might be a hermit, but it's for a good, well at least, to him. 85 00:08:21,720 --> 00:08:29,720 Ever since the incident, Alex has been at my beck and call ensuring I am okay. And even though he blames himself for it, I fully know it's Caleb's fault. 86 00:08:29,720 --> 00:08:39,720 Moving into his place while I sort myself out will be difficult. I'm on foreign territory by force. 87 00:08:40,720 --> 00:08:50,720 He asks again for the millionth time as he closes the car door behind me. And as usual, I nod. And I may be fine physically, but mentally my mind is on my house. I have a very strong heart. 88 00:08:50,720 --> 00:09:01,720 And the shitty thing about it is that I have to start over with a debt. I make it up to his front steps and pause glancing over at my house. Caleb, you bastard, look at what you've done. 89 00:09:02,720 --> 00:09:09,720 I step inside Alex's house and exhale. His home is like mine except it's bigger. It's living room and it's a living room. 90 00:09:09,720 --> 00:09:19,720 His home is neat, tidy and surprisingly homely. It's almost as if a woman lives here. 91 00:09:20,720 --> 00:09:29,720 Alex stands at the center of his living room peering at me as if he's expecting me to comment. Nice place, it's neat. 92 00:09:29,720 --> 00:09:38,720 Much neater than mine had ever been. He exhales a breath I didn't know he was holding. 93 00:09:39,720 --> 00:09:51,720 Oh thanks, I was wondering if it would have been good enough for you to feel comfortable. 94 00:09:52,720 --> 00:09:57,720 It definitely is. His eyes shift around the room and then he turns around. 95 00:09:57,720 --> 00:09:59,720 Follow me. 96 00:10:00,720 --> 00:10:16,720 It almost seems like he's nervous or something. Why would he be? I should be the one to feel unsteady. It's me who's in his space. I'm the one who should feel guilty and out of place. Alex had been living his life sheltered away from humans and having no interaction whatsoever. 97 00:10:17,720 --> 00:10:22,720 And now I've forced his hand. I follow him down the narrow hallway and it leads us to a bedroom. 98 00:10:22,720 --> 00:10:27,720 It's not much but you can stay here until you know. 99 00:10:28,720 --> 00:10:40,720 It's way more than I could ever ask for Alex, thank you. My home had been a two bedroom with a room like this as the laundry and the other upstairs. But I guess this house is supposed to be a family home. 100 00:10:41,720 --> 00:10:43,720 I'll get some more change of clothes to make sure you're comfortable. 101 00:10:43,720 --> 00:10:51,720 And about that, Alex has been providing me with his dead wife's clothes. I don't even know what to think of it. Isn't that weird? 102 00:10:52,720 --> 00:10:58,720 I mean, I wasn't in the position to shop around for new things and he may not be the one to go to the nearest thrift shop or anywhere in public. 103 00:10:59,720 --> 00:11:04,720 But the idea of wearing his wife's clothing when he clearly adored her feels like an abomination. 104 00:11:04,720 --> 00:11:12,720 I move to protest and tell him that I'm fine with what he has already given me. But he walks off faster than I could say no. 105 00:11:13,720 --> 00:11:20,720 The room is small but has enough space for me to move around. It has its own bathroom and is equipped with a small closet and matching chest of drawers. 106 00:11:21,720 --> 00:11:26,720 It should be fine until I get my home and a new place sorted out, hopefully within a week. 107 00:11:27,720 --> 00:11:30,720 Alex returns with a few clothes wrapped around his arm. 108 00:11:30,720 --> 00:11:34,720 I'm not sure if these will fit, but the ones I gave you do so. 109 00:11:35,720 --> 00:11:42,720 I smile up at him. Thanks. They will. But you don't have to do this. I don't want to... 110 00:11:43,720 --> 00:11:44,720 Nonsense. 111 00:11:44,720 --> 00:11:45,720 He cuts me off. 112 00:11:46,720 --> 00:11:52,720 It's there and no one is using it. I was to carry it to Goodwill a long time ago, but I just haven't gotten around to doing it. 113 00:11:53,720 --> 00:11:55,720 I give him a small smile again. 114 00:11:55,720 --> 00:12:03,720 He hasn't gotten around to doing it because he cherishes his wife and her memories and giving it away might be a form of letting go. 115 00:12:04,720 --> 00:12:14,720 When my mom died, my dad began selling her stuff. I cried for weeks. He'd sold so much of her things that the house barely had a memory of her. 116 00:12:15,720 --> 00:12:19,720 He sets the clothes on the bed beside me and rubs the stubble on his cheek. 117 00:12:19,720 --> 00:12:25,720 Well, I have some work to catch up with. There's food in the fridge so you can make whatever you want. 118 00:12:26,720 --> 00:12:28,720 Thanks. I tap my fingers on the bed. 119 00:12:29,720 --> 00:12:32,720 Um, Alex? He stops at the door. 120 00:12:33,720 --> 00:12:34,720 Yes? 121 00:12:34,720 --> 00:12:37,720 Do you have an extra laptop? I need to get some stuff done. 122 00:12:38,720 --> 00:12:40,720 Oh, yes. I'll get right on that. 123 00:12:42,720 --> 00:12:46,720 By midnight, I'd spent over two grand on clothes and stuff I think I needed. 124 00:12:46,720 --> 00:12:53,720 I've even made appointments with my bank and my insurance company. Just thinking about everything is giving me a headache. 125 00:12:54,720 --> 00:13:01,720 And ever since I've arrived at Alex's house, I haven't fetched anything to eat. I haven't even seen him since he brought the clothes either. 126 00:13:02,720 --> 00:13:09,720 I set the laptop on the bed and head outside. The hallway is dimly lit, and when I make it to the living room, it's darker. 127 00:13:09,720 --> 00:13:15,720 I have no idea where the switches are, and bumping my hip on the edge of the small dining table didn't help. 128 00:13:16,720 --> 00:13:21,720 I feel my way to the fridge and open it. There are so many things in here I don't know what the fuck to eat or drink. 129 00:13:22,720 --> 00:13:29,720 There are beers, fruit juices, milk, water, and there are also fruits, salads, eggs, and plastic-wrapped sandwiches. 130 00:13:30,720 --> 00:13:33,720 No wonder he never leaves his home. He has a fully stocked kitchen. 131 00:13:33,720 --> 00:13:40,720 I'm reaching for the sandwiches and fruit juices, and just as I'm about to grab a bottle of water, the room suddenly becomes bright. 132 00:13:41,720 --> 00:13:49,720 I turn around with a sandwich in my mouth, one under my chin, two juices in my hand, and the bottled water in the other. 133 00:13:50,720 --> 00:13:55,720 Oh God, I'm pretty sure I look like a raccoon with my blackened eyes and all the food in my hand. 134 00:13:56,720 --> 00:13:58,720 Alex gives me a small smirk. 135 00:13:58,720 --> 00:14:03,720 You know the food is free, right? And you can have as much as you want, whenever you want. 136 00:14:04,720 --> 00:14:12,720 I make a face and rush to the countertop, setting them down. I didn't want to be back and forth, plus I couldn't find the switch. 137 00:14:13,720 --> 00:14:20,720 Alex points at the wall at the end of the hallway. Oh, I open the fruit juice. What are you doing up? 138 00:14:21,720 --> 00:14:24,720 Pulling an all-nighter. I've got deadlines to meet. 139 00:14:24,720 --> 00:14:30,720 I'm sorry, because I know him having to stay up has to do with my incident over the past few days. 140 00:14:31,720 --> 00:14:33,720 Alex waves his hand in dismissal. 141 00:14:34,720 --> 00:14:36,720 Nothing to be sorry about, I just came for water. 142 00:14:37,720 --> 00:14:41,720 I hand him mine. Here you go. He smiles. 143 00:14:42,720 --> 00:14:44,720 Thanks, but I prefer room temperature. 144 00:14:45,720 --> 00:14:46,720 So why is there? 145 00:14:47,720 --> 00:14:52,720 I put it there for you. I wasn't sure if you like it warm or cold, so I... 146 00:14:52,720 --> 00:14:53,720 Cold, and thanks. 147 00:14:54,720 --> 00:14:56,720 My wife, she, uh, liked it cold. 148 00:14:57,720 --> 00:15:04,720 Oh. Silence engulfs us for a bit too long, and then Alex moves to the kitchen and grabs a water from the case in the cupboard. 149 00:15:06,720 --> 00:15:10,720 Anyway, I gotta get back to work. Hope you're comfortable. 150 00:15:11,720 --> 00:15:13,720 Yeah, thanks. He meets halfway up the steps. 151 00:15:14,720 --> 00:15:15,720 Oh, right. 152 00:15:16,720 --> 00:15:17,720 He snaps his fingers. 153 00:15:17,720 --> 00:15:22,720 The hot water in the guest bath is not working, so you may have to shower upstairs if that's a problem. 154 00:15:23,720 --> 00:15:26,720 I'll see if I can get it fixed. I forgot about that. 155 00:15:27,720 --> 00:15:29,720 Oh, uh, I don't think it should be. 156 00:15:30,720 --> 00:15:31,720 Are you sure? 157 00:15:32,720 --> 00:15:37,720 Well, if you decide on a hot shower, the bathroom is on the left when you clear the stairs. 158 00:15:38,720 --> 00:15:40,720 All right, but I'll be fine. Thanks. 159 00:15:40,720 --> 00:15:47,720 Hey Raiders, you have met the end of The Neighbor, Part 3. Stay tuned for the final part, and if you haven't already, subscribe and share. See ya.