6: Nowhere Neighbour

The little blue gate creaks open for me.

A mailbox stands resolutely, advertising its address to the limitless expanse.

Smoke uncurls from the chimney.

The wooden door waits.

I knock.
 
Maybe I should’ve brought something. A weapon? A gift? What’s customary in these situations?
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Wow, all this emphasis on good manners, dad, and you didn’t *once* mention how one announces oneself in the void.

It's a gift card. Photo an alteration of one by Alin Surdu on Unsplash

Maybe if someone is there I’m interrupting. I shouldn’t be a bother.

Maybe I should come back another –

Aw, damn, I can hear someone moving around. This is awkward. I could leave and pretend it wasn’t me who knocked … oh, sure, it was just one of the other people wandering around the nothingness!
 
The door opens.
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I should’ve brought a gift.