Complex threw a 'community bonding' event at 11am on a Tuesday. 6 people came.

The email arrived in February. Subject line: "Community Bonding Taco Fiesta! Mark Your Calendars!" I marked my calendar: Tuesday, March 11th, 11am, courtyard. I cleared my schedule. I went specifically to have something to write about.

I arrived at 11:04. There were six people present, one of whom was clearly on a work call that she conducted entirely through AirPods for the duration of the event. The property manager and two maintenance crew members (Carlos and the other one whose name I didn't catch) were there primarily in a logistical capacity. One retired resident, maybe 70s, who had arrived at 10:45 and was on his second taco when I got there. And me.

The taco bar was, I want to be fair about this, legitimately good. Real flour tortillas, not the prepackaged kind. Three proteins. Carlos made his own salsa, which he clarified twice was not a building-provided item and that he had made it at home. This was the most meaningful piece of information I learned at the event.

At 11:40, no new attendees having arrived, the property manager started packing up. She was kind about it. She said these events were "for building community" and she hoped we'd "see more neighbors next time." I didn't say anything because the tacos were good and she seemed like a person doing her best.

I now know Carlos's name and that he makes good salsa. That's a real result. I'll see you at the next one, Carlos.