“They seem nice. Perhaps we should introduce ourselves once we are settled in,” Cindy suggested.

“Maybe… I just kind of think we left the city so we could have a little peace and quiet. Let’s not get too caught up in community politics, love?” Danny said.

“Politics, Danny? Relax…this is our new home. Our new community. We should embrace it. And I know how you get sometimes,” Cindy said, giving Danny the side eye.

“I know, my love. And I’m all for embracing it. All I’m saying is they seem a little intrusive,” Danny added.

“Nonsense. They’re just being neighborly. Plus, I think this may be really good for Kevin. He may even find a friend in the boy next door. You know he struggled to make friends back in the city. This could be good for him,” Cindy said, holding her husband affectionately.

“Hello! I’m in the room!” Kevin said, raising his hand as a gesture of notice. His parents both laughed.

“You’re mom’s right. This is a fresh start for all of us Johnsons. We should grab it by the horns and embrace it!” Danny said, pulling his son into the huddle as he looked around at their new home.

A few days later, there was a knock at the Johnson family’s door. Cindy went to open the door and found a congregation of their neighbors, all standing at their porch bearing various gifts of baked goods and other foods. Among them were John, Judy, and Tommy.

“Greetings there! We are the Summers family. These are the McCarthy, the Stevens, and the Lloyd family. We are all your new neighbors, and we just wanted to welcome you to the neighborhood,” Judy said with a warm smile.

“Oh, wow! How kind of you!” Cindy said as Judy handed her a casserole. “Danny! Kevin!” Cindy called. Danny and Kevin arrived moments later, surprised to see the welcoming party at their doorstep.

“Our neighbors came bearing gifts, honey,” Cindy said to her husband.