Elton had enjoyed more than a decade of peace in his quiet neighborhood, where neighbors kept tidy lawns, kids played in the streets, and everyone waved as they passed. That all changed when Gideon moved in next door. At first, Gideon seemed perfectly pleasant.
He introduced himself, explaining that he and his wife had left the city in search of a calmer life. They chatted about neighborhood barbecues and lazy afternoons, and Elton thought they’d get along fine.
A couple of weeks later, Gideon asked to use Elton’s driveway while his own was being repaved.
Elton explained that it wasn’t possible—between his and his wife’s cars and their teenagers coming and going, the driveway was always full. Gideon didn’t take the refusal well, but Elton thought the matter was settled.
The next morning, Elton stepped outside to find Gideon’s car parked squarely in his driveway, blocking everyone in.