Jack and I had only been in our temporary rental for a single night when we met Lindsey, the neighbor who introduced herself with a cheerful smile and a plate of perfectly arranged cookies. Her friendliness felt slightly rehearsed, especially as her eyes constantly drifted past us, scanning the inside of our home as if she were taking inventory. Before leaving, she slipped in a warning about the neighborhood rule: only one vehicle allowed in each driveway, no exceptions. We didn’t think much of it—both of our cars fit neatly on the property, and we weren’t planning to stay long. Her tone suggested she believed she was delivering helpful guidance, but something in her manner felt more like surveillance than hospitality. Continue reading…
