[EnigmaofSorrow]

He leaned over the edge, cigarette in one hand, plastic cup filled with Jim Beam and coke in the other, and stared out across the horizon, or rather, at the next block of flats. This was the sad state of public housing. The utter lack of privacy due to the close proximity to the neighbouring blocks. He squinted his eyes to get a better look at what he thought were a couple fucking in front of their faux French windows.

Then, a tap on his shoulder caused him to drop his half-finished cigarette, 13 floors down. He hoped no one was unlucky enough to be walking down below. But then again, it was more likely that the cigarette would be extinguished before it even hit the ground.

J: Hey! Why are you out here by yourself?

Jane was his close friend since secondary school, and this was her yearly birthday party.

A: I needed some air. And you don't like me smoking in your house.

J: Well come in soon ok? We are about to cut the cake.

A: Sure.

He lit another stick as she turned to re-enter the house, and resumed his voyeuristic behaviour.

This time however, he swore he saw the guys flash him a "thumbs-up", or was it the middle finger?

Then, the curtains were drawn.

A sudden gust of cold wind and a clap of thunder startled him slightly. He finished the remains of his Bourbon and stubbed out the cigarette.

It was time to pretend he was happy again.