The older man rummaged through residents’ trash cans. The younger turned their garage into a junk-filled workshop.
There were no complaints or confrontations. Instead, quiet admiration for the mixed-race couple’s courage to live authentically.
Christmas morning, on porches, an invitation: “We have too much stuff. Come all.”
Outside their home were toys, appliances, electronics. Some new, others retrieved and repaired.
“Free. Share. Enjoy,” signs read. On the front door, also a sign: “Thank you for being such nice neighbors.”
The house was empty, the couple gone.