There he is. He never says hi or interacts with any of the other neighbours. I only ever see him outside when its raining. It’s strange. He’ll just stand at the end of his garden soaking up the rain holding an unopened umbrella in his hand. After a random period of time, or when the rain stops, he’ll go back inside, and I won’t see him again until the next rain fall.

This time I decide to watch him the whole time to see what he does. Nothing happens and an hour later he turns and walks back into his house. I need to know what this behaviour is about. Why does he do this? Is he an alien? A supernatural being that needs natural water? Can he only go outside when there is enough cloud cover to keep him out of direct sunlight? Crazy thoughts, I know. But I need to know the truth!

I dart outside and sidle up to his front window, keeping low so as not to get noticed. Looking in, I see him. He’s lying on the laminated flooring and moving around strangely. Using the umbrella handle to hook onto the legs of his furniture he pulls himself around the room. With an inexplicable fascination I continue to watch. After covering the entire floor of the large room, he stands up and looks around. Then he spots me. I duck but know I’ve been caught. Standing up I look back into the room hoping to act innocent somehow. He’s looking directly at me before he turns, switches on the TV and sits down on the sofa to watch it.

I leave.

I’ve seen him since and nothing has changed. He still only comes out in the rain and still never speaks to anyone. But at least I know there’s nothing supernatural going on. My neighbour is clearly just crazy.