I never thought I’d get into a nasty fight with someone in my neighbourhood, but then I met Dan. Our fight started over a simple fence and turned into a full-on war of wits, trash, and revenge.
Even though Dan and I had always had disagreements, things got worse when he dumped his leaves in my yard. I was done. When he said, “What happens on my property is my business,” I told him the same thing.
I had no idea that those words would start a fight. Dan got back at me by turning my garden into a garbage dump and putting dirty nappies and rotten food there. The smell was terrible.
After that, I chose to do something about it myself. Tyler, my friend, and his digger came over to help me pick up the trash. We didn’t end there, though. We dumped it all on Dan’s spotless lawn.
When he got home, the look on his face was priceless. His yard was now a disaster zone full of trash, including dirty nappies and rotten food. There were howls of anger from his dogs.
I felt a mix of guilt and pleasure as I watched Dan fume from my window. Had I gone too far? But then I thought about how my own backyard smelt, and my determination grew stronger.
Afterward, things were tense. Dan cleaned up the mess, but the anger was still there. We were both waiting for the other to make the next move, so there was no winner.
Our fight has turned into a careful truce today. The dogs still bark, but it’s not as loud as it used to be. We try not to look at each other, but there is a reluctant respect between us.
I’ve learnt that you have to fight fire with fire sometimes. But how much does it cost? Before, our neighbourhood was a safe place to be quiet. Now, it’s a battleground.
When I look at my fence, I question whether it was worth it. The answer changes every day. But one thing is for sure: Dan won’t mess with me again for a long time.
