Summary

The short story “Neighbors” by Raymond Carver is focused on Bill and Arlene Miller. They look after the apartment that belongs to their neighbours from across the hall, the Stones, who are away on holiday. Bill and Arlene are jealous of their neighbours, whom they believe have a more exciting life than they do.

On the first day, Bill goes over to the Stones’ apartment to feed their cat, Kitty, and water the plants. He wanders further into the apartment and starts going through the Stones’ bathroom. He even looks through their medicine cabinet and steals some pills, before helping himself to their expensive whiskey. When he finally goes back to his own apartment, he lies to Arlene about why he spent so long over at the Stones’, and then they make love.

The next day, Bill l...