Skip down for the good part if so desired — it's clearly marked. Lots of preamble for those inclined.
I had lived overseas for several years teaching English. The gig got old and it was time to return to America. I had grown up in the rural South but had no intention of ever returning, so as my contract was nearing expiration I started interviewing for jobs at bigger cities.
I was able to land a job in the southwest. Coming back to America was strange and I didn’t know anybody in the area so I spent most of my time outside of work trying to get in shape, usually by riding my road bike. The town I lived in was small and my neighborhood was almost exclusively retirees and snowbirds – nice people, but not exactly a fun crowd, particularly for a 27 year old. Many of the houses in the neighborhood stood empty with “For Rent” signs out front, including the one immediately next door to me.