A woman has recently moved to New York City. Her rented room adjoins the bathroom that she shares with her neighbor, Judy, a young store clerk. On her first night in the apartment, she can hear Judy’s every move through the thin walls. She listens in bed as Judy comes home from work and her boyfriend, Allen, arrives. Both of them sound weary. Judy remarks that she was afraid he wouldn’t come, and he apologizes. After a few minutes of cautious conversation, Judy’s sobs fill her neighbor’s small room. She hears her ask Allen why he’s been so distant lately. She reminds him of the carefree earlier days in their relationship, and she begs him to affirm his love for her. Allen wishes he could, but he has no job and no prospects—he can’t give her what she deserves. Later, Judy and Allen have sex. The neighbor focuses on the sound of the trains rumbling by her window, wishing that they would drown out the noise. Allen senses that the sex wasn’t pleasurable for Judy. She hushes him and wishes that he would sleep. She loves to watch him sleep because she can pretend that they’re married. Later, Judy begins to cry. She can’t bear that their love has changed—it makes her feel lonely. Allen comforts her. Judy’s neighbor falls asleep and dreams of her father. He recites a poem about how time chips away at young people’s innocence. When she wakes the next morning, she hears Judy getting ready for work. She encourages Allen to sleep in, and she assures him that this is the day he’ll finally find a job. In contrast to last night’s tenderness, her voice is brisk and businesslike. Judy’s neighbor hears Allen’s troubled breathing as he falls back asleep.