Elton had enjoyed more than a decade of peace in his quiet neighborhood—a place where neighbors kept tidy lawns, kids played in the streets, and everyone waved as they passed. That calm changed when Gideon moved in next door.
At first, Gideon seemed perfectly pleasant. He introduced himself, saying he and his wife had left the city in search of a quieter life. They talked about neighborhood barbecues and lazy afternoons, and Elton thought they’d get along just fine.
A couple of weeks later, Gideon asked if he could use Elton’s driveway while his own was being repaved. Elton politely explained that it wouldn’t be possible—between his and his wife’s cars and their teenagers coming and going, the driveway was always full. Gideon didn’t seem thrilled with the answer, but Elton assumed the matter was over.
The next morning, Elton stepped outside to find Gideon’s car parked squarely in his driveway, blocking everyone in. Frustrated, he knocked on Gideon’s door. Still in his robe, Gideon brushed it off, saying it was “only for a few hours.” He moved the car, but the problem kept happening—sometimes with his friends’ cars, sometimes with lawn equipment.
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