My Neighbor Is Obsessed With Me

Helena has been rambling for nearly twenty minutes. I have her blathering on speaker. I barely listen as I paint my canvas. Some conversation about her neighbor Ruth Ruth wants her sister Cookie’s life. Ruth talks about Cookie’s husband. Something is wrong with Ruth. Maybe she is schizophrenic or something. She has not been out of her house since Tuesday. Maybe she is sick, I say. Maybe you should check on her. Helena laughs. I’m not going to check on her! She spies on me all the time. Every time I go out, there she is, staring at me. Hey wait! WHERE is SHE going? Ruth? Yes! She is leaving in her car. Right now. She could be going to a store, I say. She is obsessed with me! Helena tells me. There is something wrong with her. I think she is OBSESSED WITH ME! Helena's voice is rising. I am barely listening, outlining a tree in green paints. I think there might be an obsession I think But I wisely keep this thought to myself.