100 Words: Neighbors

The neighbor who befriended me after playing badminton together likes to touch my shoulder. The other day, I thought she maybe just liked the feel of my jacket. But this morning, when she touched my shoulder, I was wearing a T-shirt. The other neighbor who lives below us will only speak to me in English. He made it clear that he wants me to speak English with his daughter as well, who is 12. I feel annoyed with his request. I ask him if he had his breakfast? “Breakfast” he repeats slowly and confusedly. “Zaofan” I say in Chinese. He understands and responds in Chinese that he had noodles.