Mrs Bond watched the big removal pantechnicon draw up outside the house next door. The house had stood empty for several weeks previously and she was anxious to see what her new neighbours looked like, She pulled the curtains aside just the tiniest bit to get a better view. The driver of the van got out and walked up the drive to the house. After satisfying himself that he was at the correct address, he peered closely at the two concrete strips that formed the run up to the house, then stamped a couple of times on the concrete.

“She’ll be right, Charlie,” he called to his mate, Two other men got out of the van and the driver climbed back into the driving seat. He then backed the big van up the driveway, with the guidance of his mates.

Phyllis Bond moved to the far right of the window once the van had finished reversing. Apart from wanting to see what the new neighbours looked like, she was also keen to see what sort of furniture and other belongings they had. Even at the far side of the window she could only see the big slab side of the van.

“Blast,” she said aloud to herself as she sat down. Every few minutes she jumped up and peered through the window without catching a glimpse of her new neighbours or their belongings. The sounds of furniture being manhandled inside the van and the voices of the removal men were infuriating when she could not see what was going on. It was not that she was a nosey parker, she just had a natural feminine curiosity that made it appear that way to her husband and most of the other men she knew. After several abortive attempts to see what was going on from the privacy of her own lounge room, she eventually made up her mind to go next door.

Dodging past two workmen carrying in a dining table, she found the lady who was obviously supervising the placement of all the furniture that was being unloaded.

“I’m your neighbour,” said Phyllis. “I did knock, but with all the noise I thought you probably wouldn’t have heard. I hope you don’t mind my coming in like this, but I wondered if you would like me to make you some tea and sandwiches. I know what a terrible job moving house can be.”