For over a decade, I’d lived quietly in a quiet neighborhood with pleasant neighbors, cheery children, and immaculately manicured lawns—until Tim moved in next door. Initially, Tim appeared kind and eager to integrate into the community, professing a wish for a peaceful existence away from the city.
We exchanged manners, and I expected a positive connection with him. However, things took a turn when Tim asked to borrow my driveway while his was being repaved. With two automobiles of my own and the children’s continual comings and goings, I gently declined, citing pragmatism. Tim responded negatively, puffing off, but I thought I had been fair and honest.
The next morning, Tim’s truck was blocking my driveway, making me late for work. I confronted him at his door, finding him in his pajamas, but he downplayed my concerns, claiming it was only for a few hours. He reluctantly relocated his truck, but that was only the beginning.
Over the next week, Tim repeatedly used my driveway for his truck, friends’ vehicles, and even lawn equipment. His disregard for my space was frustrating, and despite my wife’s suggestion to file a complaint with the homeowners’ association, I opted for a more direct approach.
Things got out of hand when I realized Tim had spray-painted “SELFISH JERK” on my yard in bright orange. I challenged him, but he disregarded it as a hoax, which fueled my indignation.
With minimal police recourse, I sought the assistance of my brother Andrew, who owns a landscaping business. Andrew created a scheme to employ a nontoxic chalk-based color with a modern sprinkler system. We spent the day putting fresh sod and preparing the dye system.
Tim was out walking his dog on Sunday when he got showered in vivid blue water from the new sprinklers. His astonished expression and blue-stained garments were just what I was looking for.
Tim, now embarrassed, challenged me, but I mocked him with the same contemptuous tone he had showed me. Tim’s disruptive conduct has subsided after that episode, but I remain attentive and ready to respond to any future provocations.