Evie and Nate had finally made it. After years of double shifts and sacrificed vacations, they bought their dream waterfront home—palm trees, ocean breeze, and peace. Or so they thought.
Three days in, Tammy from next door knocked, announcing she’d be hosting a barbecue “in the shared backyard.” Evie politely corrected her: the deed showed the yard belonged solely to their unit. Tammy scoffed. “That’s not how it’s worked for five years.”
Then came the birthday party. Tammy set up a bounce house on Evie’s lawn without permission and told them to stay inside—it was “family-only.” Evie, trying to be gracious, let it slide for the day. But when a drunk guest tried to use their bathroom, things escalated. Tammy called them selfish. Nate threatened to call the police.
The next morning, Evie and Nate hired contractors. A six-foot privacy fence, outdoor kitchen, firepit—the works. Tammy fumed, claiming shared rights. But the city and HOA confirmed: the property was theirs.
Tammy called the police. Officers reviewed the documents and sided with Evie and Nate. Tammy’s boyfriend Randy, already hostile, made the mistake of poking an officer in the chest. He was cuffed and hauled away. Tammy screamed, “This isn’t over.” Evie smiled: “Actually, I think it is.”
Weeks later, the owner of Tammy’s unit called. He was selling. Evie and Nate jumped at the chance. Three weeks later, they owned both units.
Evie knocked on Tammy’s door with the deed in hand. “I’m your new landlord,” she said. Tammy was stunned. Evie offered a rent refund if she moved out early. Tammy slammed the door.
Eventually, Tammy’s mother Darlene arrived. She apologized, paid the overdue rent, and promised they’d be gone by month’s end. True to her word, Tammy moved out.
As the moving truck pulled away, Nate asked, “What should we do with the other unit?” Evie smiled. “Let’s rent it to someone who understands what good neighbors really are.”
Sometimes, paradise isn’t just found—it’s defended. And sometimes, the best revenge is owning the whole block.
