My studio looks out onto a block of flats. Until recently I’ve taken only a
passing interest in the blank or curtained windows; until recently everybody
went to work. Now there are glimpses of different lives across the road and
they distract me ( so much is distracting these days ) as do the lack of
glimpses. Some curtains remain closed all day which is disturbing.
I see people moving behind the glass. Sometimes they’re exercising, or
dancing.

These are fairly small flats. A narrow balcony serves each one on the topmost
floor. A young woman regularly comes out to smoke. A week ago one balcony
was filled with flowers. Other than these small signs of life, even on the
hottest days, the balconies remain empty. Yet every Thursday night at 8
people miraculously appear….…to clap and make a wonderful din.
From the windows on the other side of my house I look out onto a corridor of
pretty gardens. These have been empty and silent for the last four weeks; I
presume these people have gone to their second homes.