I lived quietly in my area and communicated with neighbors about changes. Things changed considerably when the neighbors relocated, which surprised me. I was left with a volatile woman who karma dealt with quickly!
I always felt peaceful in my Maple Street bungalow. The backyard was my escape after a long day. To gain privacy, I built a back fence soon after moving in.
I consulted with my neighbors Jim and Susan to save surveyor costs. They were pleasant, and we agreed on a fence location. Though not on the property boundary, it was close enough for us.
I started work after shaking hands. That fence was my pride and joy. I bought all the stuff and built it over several weekends. My neighbours liked that they didn’t have to pay.
A win-win situation. A year ago, my wonderful neighbors sold their house. New posh neighbor Kayla is from the big metropolis. Jim informed me Kayla was a realtor before they went. In twelve years, she flipped eight residences!
Because she wore formal shirts, skirts, and heels and looked down on the locals, she was different. The new neighbor frequently talked about loving her new home and staying forever.
Six months after she moved here, I saw a clipboard-wielding man roaming around my neighborhood and property. As he measured and planted flags, he looked like a land surveyor.
Kayla knocked on my door the next day, changing everything. She arrived with a stack of papers and looking determined. My name is Kayla. Have a minute?” Introduced herself with business card.
“Sure, what’s up?” I asked what papers she was carrying.
“I had a survey done, and your fence is nine inches onto my property,” she stated, holding the documentation. “I’m going to need you to either move it or pay me for the land it’s on.”
I was shocked. “I built that fence based on an agreement with the previous owners,” I said. “We didn’t get a survey, but we all agreed on the spot.”
Kayla shook her head, unimpressed. “That might be how things work out here, but where I’m from, we follow the rules,” asked. “You need to move the fence or compensate me for the encroachment.”
“It’s ugly and old. I will take action if you don’t take it down or move it, and you’ll regret it.”
I was appalled by her behavior and sought to clarify the handshake arrangement with Jim and Susan. She refused. Instead, she threatened to sue me, so I had no choice.
Since I didn’t have proof of my bargain with my former neighbors, I took down the fence the next day to avoid conflict. Undoing the panels, stacking them near the garage, and pulling up the supports hurt my heart.
I disliked it and the work was hard, but I didn’t want legal trouble. What occurred next surprised me.
Kayla returned to my door a week later, crying! Shaking, she asked, “What have you done?”
Confused, I asked, “What do you mean?”
Please return your old fence. When can it be rebuilt? I’ll pay you anything to have the fence back “explained.
“I thought you wanted it gone,” I said.
I did, but Duke is my dog. “I can’t leave my German Shepherd mix outside without a fence,” she said. “He may flee or be hit by a car. He chews everything inside the home!”
I sympathized with her but remembered her forcefulness about the barrier. “Sorry, Kayla, I won’t rebuild it. I wish to avoid issues, therefore don’t put a fence near your land.”
My neighbor appeared desperate. Duke is destroying my furniture, so I can’t keep him inside all day. Need that fence!”
“I’m sorry, but no,” I responded. “I don’t want to risk any more issues.”
Kayla left defeated.
But her karma continued. Over the next three weeks, she tried to take action. Duke tore through her weak bamboo fence like tissue paper! Kayla had to remain home more, affecting her employment and social life.
Her darling puppy was destroying her immaculate house.
She had a garage sale one Saturday morning to get rid of her worn furnishings. It was hot, so she tied Duke to the bamboo fence while she talked to customers. Big mistake!
That smart puppy broke the fence and ran wild! It scared kids and knocked up garage sale displays as it rushed through the neighborhood! Kayla’s pocketbook, with her wallet and essential documents, was stolen from the garage in the confusion.
An absolute nightmare for her! She had to cancel her credit cards, get new ID, and deal with Duke’s neighborhood incident. Except for Kayla, the neighbors laughed about it.
Not having a fence made life harder for my neighbor. She was on edge without a secure backyard since Duke was a handful. She did everything she could to contain him.
She tried a tie-out cable to strengthen the bamboo fence but failed. Duke was simply too strong and determined to escape.
Kayla contacted me again when I watered my garden one evening. “Please, I’m begging you,” she said, crying. I’ll pay for the whole fence. Can’t live like this. Duke drives me mad, and I can’t afford new furniture.”
Sighing, I felt frustrated and sorry. Kayla, I understand your dilemma, but I can’t risk another fight by replacing the fence. Not worth the effort.”
She stared at me with rage and desperation. “You don’t get it. I worry about Duke’s next destruction every time I leave the house. My job is bad, and I have no friends. There must be a solution.”
She seemed distressed, so I softened. “Look, I’ll help you brainstorm some other solutions, but rebuilding the fence isn’t an option.”
Kayla nodded, drying her tears. “Thank you. Much appreciated.”
Next, we discussed ideas for an hour. We discussed hiring a dog trainer to regulate Duke’s behavior and stronger temporary fence. Although Kayla sounded more hopeful, I realized it wasn’t the solution she wanted.
After several months, Kayla’s position worsened. Duke’s destructive behavior didn’t improve, and my neighbor was desperate. She kept asking me to solve her problem, but I just advised her.
I was exhausted after months of back-and-forth and called a realtor. My yard had a “For Sale” sign the following week. I chose to give up on Kayla’s issue, which freaked me out.
Kayla returned a few weeks later, appearing more composed. “I see that you’re selling your house,” she remarked flatly.
I can’t handle this anymore. I need my life back and your dog needs more space.”
She said, “I’m sorry to hear that,” but didn’t appear regretful, or maybe she was fatigued from managing Duke. “I hope you find a place that works better for both of you.”
“Thanks,” I answered, stuttering. “Sorry for the difficulties I caused. It all went wrong when I tried to do the right thing.”
“Water under the bridge,” she said. “Good luck with everything.”
I left the house a month later after telling the new owners about Kayla. They were a carefree young couple. They didn’t have pets and were happy.
I thrived in my new home with the old fence panels. I knew Kayla moving next door was supposed to push me out of the old neighborhood. Every morning, I let my house dog out and watched it play in the dirt.
The new neighborhood was warm and quiet. Met someone and fell in love! Karma came full circle for Kayla, so I smile at those panels. Friends often chuckle when I recount the story! It shows that karma can be accurate!
Were those stories thrilling? Try this one about a mother-in-law (MIL) who painted her daughter-in-law’s (DIL) frock to ruin her wedding. The DIL avenged her by hosting a gala at her place!
