For over a decade, Elton enjoyed the quiet neighborhood where lawns were tidy, neighbors were friendly, and kids played freely. That peace was disrupted when Gideon moved in next door. At first, Gideon seemed amicable, sharing stories of leaving city life for calm.
Elton welcomed him, but tension started when Gideon asked to use Elton’s driveway while his was being fixed. Elton explained it was impractical because of his family’s cars, but Gideon was upset and, the next day, parked in Elton’s driveway anyway, causing delays.
Despite Elton’s requests, Gideon kept using the driveway for himself, his friends, and equipment. When Elton told his wife, she urged caution and suggested involving the homeowners’ association.
Before Elton acted, things worsened. One morning, he found his well-kept lawn spray-painted with “SELFISH JERK” in bright orange letters. Furious, Elton confronted Gideon, who responded with a smirk and dismissed the vandalism as a joke.
Elton filed a report with the police, but with no lasting damage, there was little they could do. Refusing to let it go, Elton called his brother Thane, who had a landscaping company and a clever plan.
Thane’s team replaced the damaged grass and installed sprinklers that sprayed a washable, non-toxic blue dye. The next morning, as Gideon walked by with his dog, the sprinklers drenched them both in blue water, shocking the neighborhood and humiliating Gideon.
When Gideon demanded to know what was happening, Elton calmly challenged him, and Gideon left without further trouble. Since then, Gideon has stopped parking in Elton’s driveway or causing problems.
Elton now waits, ready with a colorful lesson should Gideon ever start trouble again.
