Answer:
- How the characters respond to the problem.
Step-by-step explanation:
As per the given story titled 'The Reluctant Neighbor' authored by Clara Bohrod, the best clue to the theme would be 'the manner in which the characters respond to the obstacles or troubles.' Since theme is demonstrated as the underlying idea or message of a work, the characters' preparation for the problems('preparations for welcoming new neighbor, Coco's imagination of her neighbor's face, and women peeking her head through the crack before opening the door') gives the audience's a clue that 'one must be prepared for upcoming challenges in life instead of running away from them or completely ignoring them.' Thus, this idea combines the entire story in a single unified and universal thought/idea through which the readers can relate.