Neighbors can be tricky. Some become lifelong friends, others remain strangers, and sometimes, small conflicts test the fragile line between connection and isolation. For me, it all started with something as simple as an extension cord—but it ended up becoming a lesson about kindness, community, and the responsibility we carry for one another.
One afternoon, I stepped into my yard and noticed something odd. A bright orange extension lead was running from my neighbor’s garage, stretched neatly across the lawn, and plugged into the outdoor socket on the side of my house. At first, I thought it was a mistake, some kind of mix-up. But when I traced it back, I realized exactly what had happened. Ron, the man next door, was using my electricity.
I was furious. I marched straight over, knocked on his door, and confronted him. “That’s my power you’re stealing,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. “That’s running on my meter!”
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