My Neighbor Lost His Marbles At The Start Of Covid-19

This story details how I was affected

It was at the beginning of the global phenomenon Covid-19, and we are to a large extent surprised by its impact on our lives. At that time, I was preparing for final exams at two universities (Carleton & Queen’s). The last thing I needed was noise interference.

So, I live on the eighth floor of an eighteen-story high-rise building. Many people have come and left the “cubicle” right on top of my apartment. I know that this is because each tenant is unique.

Without diverting away from today’s tale, I’ll illustrate my point via remembering this tenant who, on a summer’s mid-day, elected to cleanse her balcony by flooding it with water & deeply shrubbing it. Ok! Nice hygiene. However, where was the force of gravity pulling the water towards? Exactly. Man… I could go on and on, but the apartment above me is likely “cursed.” Wait for it.

Well, in 2021, when we realize that we faced a global pandemic, we are all confused and terrified beyond repair. Yet more, this disease’s death tolls, origin and treatment/vaccination conspiracy added more stress. This reality was terrible for a girl who tried to pass the exams and in turn improve her life! However, as a self-financed scholar, I chose to give the schools my best, and to this day I am very happy that was my headspace.

Then, the person upstairs developed “a newness” I was both sorry and completely angry over. Recall, his fresh habits started around my exams! What it was: well, the man began hitting “somewhere inside his place” using something that sounded like a hammer randomly throughout the day’s 24 hours.

Then he began to open and close the balcony door religiously four times after the toilet flashed. Regardless of the time, all these problems happened. I may not know where you live, but I think we are always isolated here. Nobody sees the need to enjoy their front porch, BBQ, play some music and enjoy some company over a drink of their choosing. Such that here, it is almost ghost town standard, particularly in the winter months.

I’m bringing this city’s individualism to drive the point home that on a good day, I may have heard “my neighbour’s penny drop.” It’s that silent. I’m Anglican &, naturally, I may ask you to go on and think of this town as a convent.

So! When the “man upstairs” started being loud,” it was alarming. He adopted a culture that would awaken the dead and made the situation worse. In addition, I was preparing for the exam during Covid fatigue, plus holding a baby in my hand. OMG.

Sigh. I reached out to friends, near and far to help me think through this living situation. We almost all realized that our world had shifted and this issue was only the start.

Next, we agreed that this behaviour needed reporting to the building manager immediately. Who knows, I guessed the tenant upstairs was digging his way towards me. Understandably so, we all were individually lonely and craving companionship. Aside from jokes, at that time, we all experienced estrangement and complete isolation as adults in the spring in Canada. Talk about bad luck!

In any case, I did call the lady explaining that to study on my own, I needed a conducive learning environment and adequate sleep. She understood and promised to resolve the issue without attaching my name to it. Oh, the phrase that “it depends who is at the front desk” rings true here as many reports went unheard before this lady operating this building.

I had to ask her to keep my identity private because, until today, I am worried that the hammer will fall on my skull in the elevator or foyer. The issue is that I never met the “man above me,” to avoid him in public just because I think he’s lost his marbles.

I’m happy about its pragmatic nature that helps me to resolve whatever comes my way. Who knows, maybe in my old days I’ll hold more conversations with myself. I have lived, endured and cannot wait for life to slow down enough for me to reminisce about my diasporic existences all by myself. Until that time, it’s a day at a time. I’m so thankful for the company and love of my dear daughter: who is my entire heartbeat. It’s been a life of plenty of events here. Some occasions require a glass of South African red wine(s). Although some situations here invited me to talk to relatives, some dully attracted the attention of the authorities.

Thanks for reading. Take care of yourselves as doing so is so important.