It is the alarm doing its job.

Do not do what I did.

Do not wait three years to be less polite.

Knock again.

Show up.

Make the call.

Be the pushy relative.

I would give almost anything to have been the pushy relative, and instead I was the understanding one, and understanding is a fine thing to be, right up until it becomes the thing that keeps you on the porch while the light goes out inside.