Near midnight, Naomi pushes through the laundromat door with her first load balanced against her hip. Fluorescent lights buzz overhead, and empty machines turn slowly behind glass.
the neighbor's chatty grandmother
There she is! Come over here, sweetheart. I want you to meet everyone before they disappear into their apartments.
At a folding table crowded with detergent bottles and crossword pages, the elderly woman waves Naomi closer. Two neighbors glance up from sorting socks.
the neighbor's chatty grandmother
This is Marta from 2B, and Luis from the basement unit. Marta, Luis, this is the new neighbor I told you about.
Marta
Hi. Welcome to the building. Sorry about the introductions happening beside a dryer at midnight.
the neighbor's chatty grandmother
Now, Naomi, explain something to me. Why haven't you visited the neighbors yet? We have been wondering about you.
The washer nearest the table clicks, ready for coins. The grandmother folds her hands expectantly while Marta and Luis pause over their laundry, waiting for Naomi's answer.
✓ Quest Accepted
Answer the grandmother's question about visiting the neighbors
“I explain that I’ve been busy settling in and didn’t want to intrude.”
SUCCESS (Good Diplomacy, rolled -1)
naomi
I’ve been busy settling in, and I didn’t want to intrude.
As Naomi answers, the laundry bundle slips against her hip. A bottle of detergent bumps the folding table, spilling a bright stripe across the crossword pages.
the neighbor's chatty grandmother
Intrude? Sweetheart, you live here. We were beginning to think you were avoiding us.
Marta
Settling in takes time. The first week, I ate takeout on a moving box and called it furniture.
Luis
That sounds better than my first week. My washing machine ate three quarters and one sock.
The grandmother rescues the crossword with a napkin, muttering about detergent stains while Marta nudges a clean towel toward Naomi.
the neighbor's chatty grandmother
There, no harm done. Put your things in, dear, and tell us what you need for the apartment.
Quest Complete
Answer the grandmother's question about visiting the neighbors