through my window

It all started with the Wi-Fi password.

I know, it sounds simple and unimportant, but nowadays your Wi-Fi password is more valuable than almost any other thing you own. The internet alone is addictive enough; add wireless technology, and you have a permanent way to feed that addiction under the roof of your house. I know people who would much rather stay inside than give up their Wi-Fi connection.

To back up the importance of Wi-Fi, I want to share a story about my neighbors: the Hidalgos. The only neighbors we don’t interact with. But I need to go back even further to when my mother immigrated to the United

States from Mexico while she was pregnant with me. She’s struggled since arriving in this small North Carolina town. Growing up, I witnessed her victories and her defeats, her efforts and her perseverance. She’s an amazing woman who commands everyone’s respect. And in fact, she hasn’t had trouble socializing with our neighbors, but the Hidalgos are the one exception. Why? Well, they’re wealthy and rather obnoxious.

The family consists of Sofia Hidalgo, her husband Juan, and their three children: Artemis, Ares, and Apolo. Their parents clearly had an obsession with Greek mythology. I can’t imagine how the poor kids are doing in school.

I can’t be the only one who has noticed their peculiar names. You may be wondering: How do I know so much about them if we don’t even talk to each other?

The reason has a first and last name: Ares Hidalgo.

I sigh, and imaginary hearts float around me.

Even though Ares doesn’t go to my school—he goes to a fancy private school instead—I’ve spent a lot of time checking him out. Let’s just say I’ve had an immense, years-long crush on him. It began the first time I saw him playing with a soccer ball in his backyard when I was just eight years old. I was shocked because he was the first member of his family that I saw back there.

Naturally, my crush has diminished a bit over the years because I’ve never actually talked to him. We haven’t even shared a simple glance. I don’t think he’s ever noticed my presence, not even when I stare at him like an idiot.

However, the little contact I’ve previously had with my neighbors is about to change, as it turns out that Wi-Fi is not only capable of connecting our devices, but it’s also able to bridge different worlds.