As I am sipping wine and smoking a cigar, the heating system kicks in. Having listened to its hum for a while, I kick in, as well: “Thank you for your company.”

Addendum (January 19, 2020)

Winter after winter, the heating system is my only company in Motovun so many years later. Although winters are far from cold as of late, the system kicks in every twenty minutes or so. Given that there are hardly any neighbors left in my street, a car passes by my house about five or six times a day. Hardly anyone ever walks past as of late, for most remaining inhabitants have cars by now. In addition to the heating system, the refrigerator in my kitchen can also be heard from time to time, but it is on the quiet side. Actually, it is almost inaudible. At any rate, I remember this haiku every now and then, and it brings a smile to my face. “Thank you for your company,” I repeat on occasion, and I nod toward the friendly burner in my cellar. It hums along for a few minutes as though we are on the same page.