I don’t want to complain excessively about my living situation — it could certainly be worse — but there are a few small things that are starting to grate on me. I live in a shared house, so annoyances are to be expected. There are three other people here, which sounds like a lot, but the household really consists of me, the owner who works long hours every day, an elderly man who rarely leaves his room, and another flat mate I barely speak to. I have the place to myself most of the time and occupy the largest bedroom with a king-sized bed. I pay a little extra for that room, but I spend so much of my life retreating and hibernating there that the added cost feels worth it.
I had a run-in with that fella a couple of weeks ago over something so trivial it’s almost laughable. We exchanged a few sharp words and haven’t spoken since. Not even a ‘good morning’ — we just walk past each other in silence as if nothing exists between us. He seemed to dislike me from day one, and though it was awkward at first to avoid each other, I’ve come to accept and even welcome the distance. Word is he’s moving out because he couldn’t afford the rent. A couple of people have already come through looking to replace him, and frankly this can’t happen fast enough. I won’t have to put up with his constant demands and the frustration he aimed at me. Definitely not a good person.
Otherwise everything is really good. I like the owner — he’s a friendly, fair guy who gives you space. He leaves me to myself, which is exactly what I’m after: leave me alone and I’ll leave you be. The house is brand new, and unless I ventured outside, you’d swear there was no one else in town. It’s wonderfully quiet. Utilities are included in the rent. My only household expense is groceries which I have delivered to my doorstep.
I must say it doesn’t feel like home. It feels more like a temporary place where I can stay while I save some money and wait because I don’t have anywhere else to move into right now. I felt much more at ease and at home in Frankston or Langwarrin, but because I lock myself away in my dark, secluded room most of the day, those differences don’t seem to matter quite so much.