On Thin Walls. in Whey and Sonic Screwdrivers.

It is typically a negative phrase. I reckon I like being able to hear my neighbors. I used to prefer silence when trying to sleep. I think it shifted when an ex had to have a fan on at night for white noise. Maybe I got used to it. Now laying in complete silence is a bit perturbing, as my mind wanders.

I don’t hear gunshots. Or yelling. I’d be okay hearing some coital engagements, but amazingly the most intimate thing I hear is neighbors peeing. Followed by the sound of a flush. Followed by the sound of running water, presumably for washing their hands. I hear talking. I hear music. I hear TV. I hear the sparse creaking of someone walking. I hear faint distant traffic. I hear the train. I hear giggling children outside. I hear the rhythm of a clothes washing machine.

Maybe it just makes me feel less alone? Just talking out loud.