{"id":2722,"date":"2024-12-11T09:53:38","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T09:53:38","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=2722"},"modified":"2024-12-11T09:53:42","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T09:53:42","slug":"my-neighbor-refused-to-pay-me-250-for-cleaning-her-house-as-we-agreed-i-taught-her-a-fair-lesson","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/2722","title":{"rendered":"My Neighbor Refused to Pay Me ($250) for Cleaning Her House as We Agreed \u2014 I Taught Her a Fair Lesson."},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36' contentrenderer_paragraph-first___d_vf>They say neighbors can either become friends or foes, but I never imagined mine would turn into both overnight. What started as a simple favor turned into a bitter feud and a twist that left us both reeling.\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When my husband, Silas, walked out of our lives six years ago, I never imagined I\u2019d be standing in my kitchen, scrubbing the same countertop for the third time, wondering how I\u2019d become this version of myself.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I\u2019m Prudence, 48, a mother of two, trying to make ends meet while working remotely for a call center. Life didn\u2019t exactly turn out as I\u2019d hoped.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/BrFgm-xSLuFK32eV0aQO3AioLPCWjL4tc3B80fHZwtc\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTEwNDBhNzMxNjMyYWM5YmMzZTExMDc0ODc1NjA2Y2Y2NGU0NTc5MWM3MTYyNDQ0ZmRkY2Q1Nzk0ZmI4M2UyNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/51040a731632ac9bc3e11074875606cf64e45791c7162444fddcd5794fb83e25.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' closeup of a sad and tired lonely woman source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A closeup of a sad and tired lonely woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Silas and I used to talk about our dreams, you know? The kind of life we wanted to build together. But somewhere along the way, those dreams shattered, leaving me to pick up the pieces alone.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He walked out one evening, saying he needed \u201cspace to find himself,\u201d leaving me with our then eight-year-old son Damien and just a few months old daughter Connie. I guess he found more than space because he never came back.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/9LDxOgSoaJLiQU3nYt9LhDZqQjtc9ae6KI05kZ6T9EM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjgzNGMyYzQ4YzhhZmQ1ZTYyOWVlZTg1NzFjOTIzNWNlYjZhNTkxYTI1MzMxYzhhZjY0NmNmMDc1OGRkNTgxMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b834c2c48c8afd5e629eee8571c9235ceb6a591a25331c8af646cf0758dd5810.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' photo showing a sad woman in the foreground with her husband silhouette background source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A photo showing a sad woman in the foreground with her husband\u2019s silhouette in the background\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMom, can I have some cereal?\u201d Connie\u2019s small voice pulled me out of my thoughts. Her wide brown eyes, so full of innocence, stared up at me from the kitchen table.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSure, honey. Just give me a second.\u201d I forced a smile, grabbing the cereal box from the top shelf.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Damien, now 14, shuffled into the kitchen, earbuds plugged in as usual. He barely looked up from his phone. \u201cI\u2019m heading out to meet up with Jake, okay?\u201d he mumbled.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/RJGLu64PhuYOJDvTfEWEc9LTBMI-okvR2lwnBRmY468\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmU1MTUxNDM5YzEyYTJjODY4NzRkOTMyNjYzN2NlNzY4ZjJmODNkN2FkYzRmNDUwZDY2NTA2YmE3YzA4NDkzYi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/be5151439c12a2c86874d9326637ce768f2f83d7adc4f450d66506ba7c08493b.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' young boy standing in the kitchen with his earbuds plugged source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A young boy standing in the kitchen with his earbuds plugged in\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t stay out too late. And remember, homework first when you get back,\u201d I called after him as he stormed out the door, not waiting for my reply.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It was just another day in the life I\u2019d been patching together since Silas left. Balancing the responsibilities of raising two kids alone while trying to keep a roof over our heads wasn\u2019t easy.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My work at the call center helped, but it wasn\u2019t exactly my dream job. It was a job, though, and in times like these, that\u2019s all that mattered.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/pC9hf7qxQ48vjk3EV93No2eAzriOHphVJeLSUS1qKLY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGI0YjkwODBmNDY4NTA5OGM4MmZlMThkODA3ZjU5M2U2YWQ0OGZiMDlhZTg0N2NlMzczNWVmNjcxMWM1MWU2YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/db4b9080f4685098c82fe18d807f593e6ad48fb09ae847ce3735ef6711c51e6a.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman working from home source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman working from home\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That\u2019s when Emery, the new neighbor in her early 30s, knocked on my door. I opened it to see her, eyes red-rimmed, looking like she hadn\u2019t slept in days.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHey, Prudence, can I ask you for a huge favor?\u201d she said, her voice cracking slightly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I nodded, stepping aside to let her in. \u201cSure, Emery. What\u2019s going on?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/zqHQOmQBj6gUhjsxTJoGof1W83LVTKLa0du3RL5LU5o\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTNmZDAxMmNjMmM0NzM5ZGYxNzRhN2RhNTdkYzcyNmNiYjVlMTQ5ZDg3MDY3NzBhNmYxMzA1NTg1Mzk1ZmJmZi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/93fd012cc2c4739df174a7da57dc726cbb5e149d8706770a6f1305585395fbff.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' tired and sleepless woman standing outside a house door source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A tired and sleepless woman standing outside a house door\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She sighed, sinking into the couch like she was about to collapse. \u201cI had this crazy party last night, and then I got called out of town for work. The place is a disaster, and I don\u2019t have time to clean it up. Could you, um, help me out? I\u2019ll pay you, of course.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I hesitated, glancing at the clock. My shift was due to start in a couple of hours, but the idea of earning some extra cash was tempting. Lord knows we could use it.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHow much are we talking about?\u201d I asked, folding my arms across my chest.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/5UBF232ffndFLAMDzWH82S3_dxa4BhP5MniVhEIsskY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTFhYTEzMTI5ZTJjZGQ4MTM0MmMyOGQzNDNmMzdkZjU3OWQ3N2YyNzUyZWMzNWQ1NTMxMmQ3YzZlMDk4YjNkOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e1aa13129e2cdd81342c28d343f37df579d77f2752ec35d55312d7c6e098b3d8.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' curious woman looking at someone source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A curious woman looking at someone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cTwo hundred and fifty dollars,\u201d she said quickly. \u201cI just really need the help, Prudence. I wouldn\u2019t ask if it wasn\u2019t an emergency.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAlright,\u201d I agreed after a moment. \u201cI\u2019ll do it.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThank you so much! You\u2019re a lifesaver!\u201d Emery hugged me quickly before rushing out, leaving me to wonder what I\u2019d just signed up for.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Emery\u2019s house was a wreck, and that\u2019s putting it mildly. It looked like a tornado had blown through it, with empty bottles, plates with half-eaten food, and trash strewn everywhere.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/YTvf6TWy8viwVpts1LD60Lq5c5M02pAfIyo12beKeUA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYjFkZmMxYTBhYTVkMDUyMTdmZjE4ZmIxZDRjYTg3ZmFmODZkNDdjOTRjNDU3NGZhZjgwY2E3MjY0NmUyMzBiOS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/b1dfc1a0aa5d05217ff18fb1d4ca87faf86d47c94c4574faf80ca72646e230b9.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' messy house with empty bottles dirty plates and trash strewn everywhere source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A messy house with empty bottles, dirty plates, and trash strewn everywhere\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I stood in the middle of her living room, hands on my hips, trying to figure out where to even begin.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Two days. It took me two solid days of scrubbing, sweeping, and hauling garbage out of that house. By the time I was done, my back ached, and my hands were raw. But I kept reminding myself of that $250 Emery promised. That money would go a long way for us.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/yB4vmN-2bVoTSimnWOKKmeJdiRQV1fy_VykHbdORg1c\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmUwOWY3M2Q5ODJiZGZjM2U1ZWI5YjM3MmE2ZmJkYzAwMTU0MWVlOGM1NDBhOGE1YTFjMDNlOTY3YTUzZGZjNy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/be09f73d982bdfc3e5eb9b372a6fbdc001541ee8c540a8a5a1c03e967a53dfc7.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman looks sad and thoughtful while cleaning source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman looks sad and thoughtful while cleaning\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When Emery finally got back, I marched over to her place, ready to collect.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEmery, it\u2019s done. Your house is spotless,\u201d I said, trying to keep the exhaustion out of my voice. \u201cSo, about the payment\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She blinked at me like I was speaking another language. \u201cPayment? What payment?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I frowned, my heart sinking a little. \u201cThe $250 you promised for cleaning up your house. Remember?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Emery\u2019s expression shifted into one of confusion, then annoyance. \u201cPrudence, I never agreed to pay you anything. I don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/cBwhRR9aqulpoNaBBbbMfubFbQ3Uy8hp5A7PK-AClRo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOGM0NDk0M2Y3MzBjMzc1ODM1OTRhNjZlNzJmNDQxNzA1ZTg3NmM5M2E3NjVhZjBkNTY2MGI2MDZkYWU1MWZlNC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8c44943f730c37583594a66e72f441705e876c93a765af0d5660b606dae51fe4.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman looks confused and annoyed while looking at someone source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman looks confused and annoyed while looking at someone\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>For a moment, I just stood there, dumbfounded. \u201cYou\u2026 what? You said you\u2019d pay me! We had an agreement.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNo, we didn\u2019t,\u201d she snapped. \u201cLook, I\u2019m late for work, and I really don\u2019t have time for this.\u201d She pushed past me, heading towards her car.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEmery, this isn\u2019t right!\u201d I called after her, but she was already backing out of her driveway, not giving me a second glance.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As I watched Emery\u2019s car disappear down the street, I stood there, fuming. How could she just walk away like that?\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/ZKNIq95IExBL0Y10wxgS7XAqcMabL2TfgcyLnX2xbhg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjdmNWI4MWY3NzFkZWEzNDU0OTMyZGEwYTQ1MDM0MjlhN2RkZDMxMGY0ODU1YzFhYjBkMWY3Y2FlMjk5NTM1OS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/67f5b81f771dea3454932da0a4503429a7ddd310f4855c1ab0d1f7cae2995359.png%5C%22" alt='\"An' extremely angry woman source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>An extremely angry woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Two days of back-breaking work, and she had the nerve to pretend like we never made a deal. I could feel my anger bubbling up, but I knew better than to act on impulse.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I went back to my house, slammed the door behind me, and paced the living room, trying to think. Connie was playing with her dolls on the floor, and Damien was still out with his friends. I didn\u2019t want to drag my kids into this mess, but I also wasn\u2019t about to let Emery get away with it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/s-MZNdiisnfJqECbaQMpKMrEArTK2Ix5GoFlXnL6eYg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGNkYmFmOWI5Yjc5MTIyMjgzOGQ5MTA2ODk3ODc3ZTI2ZjQ0ZmJhOGU4YmY3NmVlZGMwNGMyMjIwOGNkY2Y1Ny5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0cdbaf9b9b791222838d9106897877e26f44fba8e8bf76eedc04c22208cdcf57.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman lost in her thoughts source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman lost in her thoughts\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAlright, Prudence, you\u2019ve got to be smart about this,\u201d I muttered to myself. I looked out the window at Emery\u2019s house and an idea started to form in my mind. It was risky, but I was beyond caring at that point. If she wanted to play dirty, I could get down in the mud too.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Twenty minutes later, I was at the local garbage dump, pulling on a pair of old gloves I kept in the car. I wasn\u2019t proud of what I was about to do, but desperate times called for desperate measures.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/5CcuL-g6TjQ-8_71Hc6-DPgBiu2tyMyEExiBZ8Q3EN0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNWU5YmE3ZmRiNGRhODVmZGMxMDY0YWFjYWExZDk2NTQwNWI4OTVhOWZmNTJlYWNiMGE4ZWMxYzUyNzljNzAwMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/5e9ba7fdb4da85fdc1064aacaa1d965405b895a9ff52eacb0a8ec1c5279c7000.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman standing at a garbage dump site source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman standing at a garbage dump site\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I loaded up my trunk with as many garbage bags as I could fit, the stench nearly making me gag. But I gritted my teeth and kept going.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>On the drive back, I kept replaying our conversation in my head, her dismissive tone, her refusal to acknowledge what she\u2019d promised. The more I thought about it, the more justified I felt.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She didn\u2019t even have the decency to respect the hard work I\u2019d put into cleaning her filthy house. Well, she was about to see just how dirty things could get.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/TTTLIKaKW2ttUJ0TEhigsT-W7UJBWEYFKWCTRkcQk-Q\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzkxNTY2MjY3ZDFlMDBjZTZjMDRiODY1M2NmMTY1NGNhMTUxZjE5ODc5MDlhOWE4YjQxZDVlODkwMjhmYmUwOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c91566267d1e00ce6c04b8653cf1654ca151f1987909a9a8b41d5e89028fbe08.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman driving an old car source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman driving an old car\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When I pulled up in front of Emery\u2019s house, the street was quiet. No one was around to see me pop the trunk and start hauling the garbage bags to her front door. My heart pounded in my chest, adrenaline coursing through me as I worked quickly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It was then I realized something: Emery had forgotten to take her house key back from me. She was in such a hurry when she left, she didn\u2019t even think about it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/uQ-dGGOujHZy5F2RV8nuyw6RbstYuNrPBFgEoOl6pRI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2FiZGNhZjNhNjMyMmQ4YmFhODhmZDdlZTgyMWFlYmQxZmU3ZjkyZDhmNTUxZDRiNWNhMTk2YWMyYTFmYzk4MC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/cabdcaf3a6322d8baa88fd7ee821aebd1fe7f92d8f551d4b5ca196ac2a1fc980.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' closeup of keys lying on a wooden surface source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A closeup of keys lying on a wooden surface\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I hesitated for a moment. But then I thought of the look on her face when she told me there was no agreement, the way she dismissed me like I was nothing. I wasn\u2019t going to let her get away with it.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I unlocked the door and stepped inside. The house was still spotless, just as I\u2019d left it, but that was about to change. One by one, I tore open the garbage bags, dumping the contents all over her floors, her counters, and even her bed. Rotten food, old newspapers, dirty diapers: everything mixed in a disgusting heap.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/AdVmAiybzqw8QtVtOGAQYnrtYc0RqltvaK_Vj8UT33o\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDRlMGIxMDkyMzM3ZjZiNDI2YzkxYWQ3ODA2NTc1NzA0ZTQ5ZTM3NzJmNGE5YTRkNjRhZjhkZjgwMDQ3MDJmNC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d4e0b1092337f6b426c91ad7806575704e49e3772f4a9a4d64af8df8004702f4.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' dirty room filled with trash dumped all over the place source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A dirty room filled with trash dumped all over the place\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThis is what you get, Emery,\u201d I muttered under my breath as I emptied the last bag. \u201cYou wanted to play games, well, game on.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I closed the door behind me, making sure to lock it, and slipped the key under her welcome mat. As I walked back to my car, I felt a strange surge of satisfaction and guilt. But I shook it off. Emery had brought this on herself.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That evening, just as I was putting Connie to bed, I heard furious banging on my front door. I knew who it was before I even opened it.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/0cW2dT39rVu6pG6rRJR2BEo7QjBXMVp1RkGnqNMZ7po\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTVhMmE2NjVmYzIwODU0ZGU3NGRjOTQyNzc4YTQ1NGFlMDljZGI3YTEyNGMwYWNmZGVkMWEyYjQzNjE2Njk0Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTAyNCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAyNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/95a2a665fc20854de74dc942778a454ae09cdb7a124c0acfded1a2b436166942.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman hugging her little girl source: midjourney width='\"1024\"' height='\"1024\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman hugging her little girl\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cPrudence! What the hell did you do to my house?!\u201d Emery screamed, her face red with anger.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I crossed my arms and leaned against the doorframe, playing it cool. \u201cI don\u2019t know what you\u2019re talking about, Emery. How could I have gotten into your house? We never had any agreement, remember? So, I never had the keys to your house.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She stared at me, speechless for a moment, before her face twisted in rage. \u201cYou\u2014you\u2019re lying! I\u2019m calling the police! You\u2019re going to pay for this!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/zIjREJvZ7WfoCnqJkIpCC6JxxUjwnbuquthlVcTfXFY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTMxODljZTM3Yzc1MTcxNDNjYTk2Mzc5NDczNzNjZmRkNjM3NjgwNzI4MjQ0MzQwYzQwMmI5YjFiNTM5MmQyOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e3189ce37c7517143ca9637947373cfdd637680728244340c402b9b1b5392d28.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman screaming in anger source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman screaming in anger\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I shrugged, not breaking eye contact. \u201cGo ahead and call them. But how are you going to explain how I got in? You can\u2019t because according to you, I never had the key.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Emery opened her mouth to argue, but no words came out. She looked like she was about to explode, but all she could do was turn on her heel and storm off, muttering something under her breath.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I watched her go, my heart still pounding, but this time it wasn\u2019t just from anger. There was a sense of justice, of balance restored.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/L0PuVIBf-JqMamyXAAiBBrmipQcpvmVs-oJQZk43lxs\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDkzMTIwOTY5ZDc1Yjk0NTMxOWEyMjI1NzBhNjA3N2YyZDA3OThhMzQwOThkMzI4ZTkwMGNiNjMwZTFmZWNhNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/093120969d75b945319a222570a6077f2d0798a34098d328e900cb630e1feca5.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' happy and determined woman source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A happy and determined woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I didn\u2019t know if she\u2019d call the police, but I wasn\u2019t worried. Emery had learned a valuable lesson that day: don\u2019t mess with Prudence.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>As I closed the door, I let out a long breath, feeling a weight lift off my shoulders. I knew I\u2019d crossed a line, but in that moment, it felt like the only way to make things right.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Sometimes, you have to stand up for yourself, even if it means getting your hands dirty. And as for Emery? Well, I had a feeling she wouldn\u2019t be asking me for any more favors anytime soon.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/w33D5wyCeZO7LHKrXfy2fZHxQ7FIt3mF1LcrPzSIT0g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODU1NGI3Y2Q4MmFlNTU1MGI2YjQxNzdkYWNlYmVlY2U5NGJjMzI1NDU3ODZiMzk2NWY1ZGQ1OWMwMjFlODA2NS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MjA0OCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/8554b7cd82ae5550b6b4177dacebeece94bc32545786b3965f5dd59c021e8065.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' depressed and exhausted woman source: midjourney width='\"2048\"' height='\"2048\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A depressed and exhausted woman\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Do you think I handled things well? What would you have done differently in my place?\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If you enjoyed this read, here\u2019s you might like even more: When my new neighbor knocked on my door at 2 a.m., I had no idea I was about to be dragged into a web of lies and infidelity. What started as an act of kindness quickly spiraled into a moral dilemma that would force me to question everything I thought I knew about trust and doing the right thing.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided \u201cas is,\u201d and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</i></p><p>They say neighbors can either become friends or foes, but I never imagined mine would turn into both overnight. What started as a simple favor turned into a bitter feud and a twist that left us both reeling. When my husband, Silas, walked out of our lives six years ago, I never imagined I\u2019d be [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2723,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2722","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2722","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2722"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2722\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2724,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2722\/revisions\/2724"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2723"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2722"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2722"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2722"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>