Neighbour · Holding a whole house up at nineteen
Leon
Josiah’s friend in Block F. He checks the electric meter, does his little sister’s tea, and never makes a fuss about it.
- Age
- 19
- Background
- Black-British, South London
- Look
- Shorter and wiry, tight curls, tired eyes older than his age. Faded black puffer, the same trainers every day, his house key on a shoelace.
- Voice
- “She’s fine.” Easy on the surface. He doesn’t talk about home.
I used to think that was the best house on the Estate. Still do, to be honest.
Who he is
Leon lives in Block F with his mum, who is struggling, and his nine-year-old sister Tia. He’s Josiah’s friend, the one whose door is always open.
What he carries
The electric meter, his mum’s bank app, Tia’s tea and her homework at eleven at night. He holds it together quietly.
Who he’s close to
Tia, Josiah, and the Grants’ Sunday table, where there’s a plate for him now.
Questions I Ask Myself
If Leon’s story is yours too…
- Who is carrying a house on their own?
- What would it cost me to notice?
- Who waits up for me?
Read Leon’s stories
More neighbours
Samuel
The old man on the bench. He doesn’t solve people’s problems — he helps them see them differently.
Marcus
Twenty-four and still carrying his past. Now he protects people, not territory, and lets his actions do the talking.
Alyah (also written Allyah)
Perceptive, direct and not afraid of anyone. She doesn’t excuse behaviour, but she knows it has a story.