I thought he was lying—just trying to hurt me. But when I asked Ava, her silence said everything. Then came the confession: it had happened once, years ago, right after our divorce. A mistake, she said, in a moment of pain and confusion. She didn’t tell me because she didn’t want to cause more damage—because she thought I wouldn’t,the works. Tammy was furious and even called the cops. But the officers confirmed everything was legal. Things simmered down… until the neighbor’s landlord called. He was ready to sell — and offered it to us first. You bet we bought it. Three weeks later, I knocked on Tammy’s door and handed her the deed. “Hi, I’m your new landlord,” I smiled. She was stunned. We gave her a move-out deadline. At first,
she resisted — but after her mother stepped in (banana bread in hand), Tammy left without further drama. Now, we rent the second unit to quiet tenants who respect boundaries — and we enjoy our paradise in peace. Because sometimes, the best fences really do make the best neighbors.
