The New Neighbor Downstairs

Mrs.

Chen lives alone in a small flat on the third floor.

Since her husband passed away two years ago, her days have become very quiet.

Last month, a young nurse named Amy moved into the flat below hers.

Amy works at a care center for old people, so she often comes home tired but smiling.

One evening, Mrs.

Chen dropped her shopping bag on the stairs, and apples rolled everywhere.

Amy heard the noise, opened her door, and helped pick them up without a word.

The next morning, Mrs.

Chen left a plate of homemade cakes outside Amy's door with a short note.

After that, they began to talk whenever they met in the hallway.

Amy taught Mrs.

Chen how to use a phone app to call her daughter abroad.

In return, Mrs.

Chen showed Amy how to cook her favorite soup.

Now the building feels warmer, and Mrs.

Chen says she no longer counts the hours alone.

Small acts of kindness, it seems, can build a bridge between generations.