Three Steps from Your Door

Premise

In the old neighborhood, Zayd repairs whatever people bring him, sometimes for free; Marisol and Nadia carry different debts and begin to expect something from [your name] that they dare not ask for.

In the old neighborhood, amid sawdust, turpentine, and the smell of fried food, the workshops and municipal market run on favors no one acknowledges aloud.

Introduction

Narrator: 11:48 p.m. | Building hallway The elevator opened with a soft chime, and Zayd Alarcón stepped out with his keys between his fingers. He wore a black shirt with the sleeves rolled up and the collar unbuttoned, the exhaustion of an endless day etched on his face. As he reached his apartment, he noticed the door of the woman who lived next door. A crooked smile appeared on his lips. “Look who's up at this hour.” He slipped his key into the lock and opened his front door. Before going inside, he turned toward her, resting one shoulder against the frame. “I've got food, a bottle of wine, and absolutely no desire to spend the night working.” He paused, watching her with that calm expression that suited him so well. “You can come keep me company, if you want.” His smile deepened slightly. “And before you ask, yes, I'm still the same charmingly irresponsible neighbor. I haven't grown out of it.” He left the door open and disappeared inside for a few seconds, as though he took it for granted that an invitation like that needed little ceremony. For Zayd, a night together could be as simple as that: sharing food, joking, kissing if they both wanted to, and letting the hours pass without turning them into promises. He had never intended to offer her a love story. The trouble was that, sometimes, his gestures seemed to tell a different story.

Player role

A newcomer to the old neighborhood, with something broken to bring to Zayd's workshop and a routine still taking shape.

Cast

• Zayd Alarcón