Annual Review of Neighbor Plant Watering
A quarterly assessment of an informal plant care arrangement that operates without any formal terms.
Q1: Initial Deployment
The first instance of neighbor plant watering occurred when Neighbor A traveled for eleven days and mentioned, in passing, that the balcony plants would probably be fine. This statement was treated as a request. The plants were watered twice. They survived. Neighbor A returned and expressed gratitude.
The first accommodation looks harmless and removes a little uncertainty. The plants had been the source of the uncertainty. They were not the source anymore.
Q2: Procedural Solidification
The arrangement was not discussed. It continued. Neighbor A began leaving a key. The key was accepted. The key's existence made the arrangement feel more formal than either party intended. Watering frequency increased from "when it seems necessary" to a schedule.
The accommodation became teachable. Neighbor A mentioned to a third party that there was "a person who waters the plants." This description was the first official recognition of the role. The role had not been applied for.
Q3: Unexpected Scope Expansion
A second set of plants appeared on Neighbor A's balcony. The question of whether the arrangement covered the new plants was not raised. The new plants were watered. Scope had expanded without any negotiating party acknowledging that scope existed.
Later, ignoring neighbor plant watering appears reckless even though the rule was invented from habit. The relationship is casual, but shared space creates detailed expectations without requiring actual familiarity.
Q4: Status Assessment
Neighbor A departs for the holiday period. The key is on the counter before the conversation begins. Plant watering occurs on the established schedule. The new plants are included. This is the second year.
Under the governing rule, neighbor plant watering is considered stable once removing it would require an explicit conversation. Both parties are aware that an explicit conversation would be awkward. Neither party initiates it.
Status: Continuing. Review period: Twelve months. Formal agreement in place: None. Expected to continue: Yes.