An introduction to life on eight

Life on eight is a quiet, peaceful life. In the already incognito living that permeates downtown highrise life, an eighth floor address is even more so -- no high floor cachet, but higher than the dust and most street noise. It's high enough to have an interesting field of view, but not beyond the reach of a brisk stair climb (say, during a blackout). Sharing an elevator to floor number 8 is also just right: it gives passengers (neighbours) enough time for a quick hello and a friendly inquiry -- just enough to feel like a social human, but not enough time for awkward silences or fake chit-chat. I'm told that 8 is a lucky number in some oriental cultures. Luck, I don't know, but I do feel fortunate living at this level. Life on eight is good.