Swan Song

3 rd Prize  - Retreat West Flash Fiction 2023

The woman next door’s in love. She plays the same song on repeat - Absolutely Cuckoo by The Magnetic Fields. It annoyed me at first but I’ve grown to like it. Sometimes she turns all the lights off and dances. 

I am glad she is happy. 

She bought herself some flowers last week and put them right in front of the spy-hole so I had to drill a new one. I’m quite pleased with it. I can see more of the flat. I didn’t realise she colour-coded her books. Or had a sticker chart on the fridge. I’m not sure what it’s for yet but I’ve got a few theories. 

Everyone should change their perspective once in a while.

The flat is very clean and her plants are doing well. She’s started sketching again. Drew a picture of an eye yesterday. It’s quite good, if a little unnerving.

Being in love suits her. 

The chap in question came over last night. He’s very tall and has one of those trendy moustaches. The conversation was stilted so she made him a cheese sandwich. He ate it and sang a strange song about swans.

They went to bed. 

He left early the next day when it was still dark outside. Afterwards she sat on the pouffe. I think she was crying but I can’t be sure. 

It’s been a few weeks since the swan song. The flat is very quiet and the plants could use a drink. 

At night she paces.

I’ve decided to grow a moustache.