As I stepped off the plane, all I wanted was to get home and enjoy the Halloween festivities. But when I arrived on my quiet street, I was greeted by an unsettling sight. My neighbor, Sandra, had taken down my Halloween decorations and was using them to adorn her own house.
Halloween is my passion. Every year, I transform my yard into a spooky spectacle, complete with graveyard scenes, skeletons, and fog machines. It’s become a neighborhood legend, with people driving by just to see it.
But this year, a last-minute business trip threatened to ruin my plans. I left my decorations behind, trusting they’d remain untouched.
Upon my early return, I was shocked to find my house bare and my decorations plastered across Sandra’s lawn. The nerve! I took a deep breath, deciding to handle the situation calmly.
As the night wore on, I watched from my window as families admired Sandra’s “handiwork.” My anger simmered, but I bided my time.
At midnight, when the street quieted down, I made my move. I snuck to the convenience store, purchased some vibrant red and black paint, and returned to Sandra’s yard.
With precision, I spray-painted a bold message across her white fence: “I STEAL MY NEIGHBOR’S DECORATIONS TO WIN A PRIZE FOR THE BEST DECORATED HOUSE!” The satisfaction was cathartic.
Just as I finished, Sandra’s light flicked on, and I ducked, holding my breath. She didn’t notice me.
The next morning, I watched from my window as the neighborhood council judges strolled down our street, clipboards in hand. They stopped in front of Sandra’s house, confusion spreading across their faces as they read my message.
One judge chuckled, and another whispered, “She really did steal them?” Sandra paled, watching from her window.
The judges moved on to my yard, taking notes. Mrs. Delaney, a kind judge, approached me with a knowing smile. “Your dedication to Halloween is remarkable. Sandra’s decorations were lovely—until we learned they were yours!”
Sandra stormed out, furious, accusing me of vandalism. But the judges had already made up their minds.
“It seems you’ve learned a little lesson about asking permission,” Mrs. Delaney said, awarding me the prize.
As Sandra shot me a livid glance, I shrugged and smiled. “Happy Halloween, Sandra.” Sometimes, revenge is sweet.
