Two windows across each other. A man on either side: Jack and Larry. Jack found music and played and played and played. Larry annoyed by the noise.

After work, the curtains were drawn: 6:00 PM. Jack was playing today. Larry didn’t like it.

Larry: “You’re a terrible person.”

Jack didn’t know what Larry meant. Was he just saying stuff?

Larry: “You’re a terrible, terrible person.”

Stolen novel; please report.

A sinking feeling. Understanding crept upon Jack.

Larry: “Do you think anyone actually wants to hear you’re playing? Morning, Evening and Night! You’re a self-centered asshole.”

Jack was in his room, he played for himself.

Larry: “You’re a terrible person.”

Jack’s anger well up. The music followed.

Larry: “You’re a terrible, terrible person.”

Jack shouldn’t be mad. He understood. Larry shared windows, he listened every day to the trials and errors. He listened to each step in the process and each plateau. But what to do? He could stop now but what about later? Did he stop forever? No! Use the anger, use the pain and grow from it. Don’t let others drag you down to their level. Rise above and become greater. You are not what others define you as.

But what about Larry?