Soon, the truth emerged.
Several neighbors had lost packages, and some of their missing belongings appeared in online listings photographed against Linda’s kitchen counter. Even my blue slippers were among them.
The police documented the evidence, recovered some property, and pursued charges connected to the thefts.
Linda eventually came to my door.
“You ruined my life,” she snapped.
“You took things that didn’t belong to you,” I replied.
She blamed her financial troubles and difficult divorce. I felt some sympathy, but it disappeared when she insisted I had plenty and could afford to lose a few things.
“My age doesn’t make my belongings yours,” I told her. “And my money doesn’t make your problems my responsibility.”
I hoped she would get help, but I made one thing clear: she wasn’t welcome at my door again.
