11/01/2025
The morning after Halloween, I stepped outside to head to work and nearly gagged from the smell. Turning the corner, I saw my lawn covered in a heap of rotten pumpkins, broken skeletons, and crumbling cornstalks. At first, I thought it was just some dumb neighborhood prank. Then I spotted a note taped to one of the pumpkins that made my stomach twist.
"Figured you'd want the rest of the neighborhood’s decorations too. Enjoy cleaning it up, since you love decorating so much."
I recognized that handwriting instantly — it was my neighbor Brenda’s. My blood started boiling. I stormed over to her house and knocked hard. Her husband, Gary, opened the door with that smug grin that made me want to throw the nearest pumpkin at him.
I asked why their junk was all over my lawn, trying my best not to lose it. Gary just shrugged and said they figured I could "handle it," since I was the last one with decorations still up. He even called it a "favor" to the neighborhood. I was furious but bit my tongue and walked away, planning to clean it up later.
A few days passed, and I thought the drama was over. Then my phone rang. It was Brenda, screaming into the receiver.
"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE? WE'RE LOSING OUR HOUSE BECAUSE OF YOU!" (check in the first comment)