Jack and I had barely settled into our short-term rental when we met our neighbor, Lindsey. She appeared on our doorstep with a bright smile and a plate of perfectly spaced cookies—warm enough to feel welcoming, but something about her eyes made me feel as though she was evaluating us more than greeting us.
She peeked past our shoulders into the living room, scanning the space as if mentally filing away what she saw. Before leaving, she casually mentioned that the neighborhood allowed only one car per driveway. The rule seemed odd, especially since our driveway easily fit both of ours. But we thanked her anyway, unsure whether she was offering a helpful heads-up or delivering a warning disguised as hospitality.
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