The Neighbor Took Everything, So I Took Back My Life

Synopsis

Our new neighbor, Wendy Brooks, had a thing for borrowing stuff. It started with the big things like ladders and vacuum cleaners, but soon it was the little things, too, like salt or a splash of cooking oil. The problem was, she never brought anything back. My husband, James Young, was a total pushover. Every time she knocked, he'd just hand over whatever she wanted. When I tried to talk to him about it, he'd just tell me I was being petty. "Wendy is all alone in this city," James said. "She doesn't have any family or friends nearby. As neighbors, the least we can do is help her out." A few days later, I noticed a hair tie was missing from my jewelry box. I spent a long time tearing the house apart looking for it before James finally spoke up. "Oh, Wendy borrowed that yesterday," he said casually. I stared at him, frustrated. "Go get it back, James." He waved me off. "If she likes it, just let her keep it. It's a hair tie, for God's sake. How much could it possibly be worth?" I didn't argue. I didn't say another word. The next evening, James's parents, Edith and Damari Young, were expected over for dinner. Then I heard that familiar knock at the door. I knew it was Wendy. Before she could even open her mouth, I grabbed James by the arm and shoved him out onto the porch. "Forget borrowing," I told her. "You can just have everything, including James."