The street was empty when I got to her house. Heart racing, I carried the garbage bags to her front door. As I worked quickly, I came to a conclusion: Emery had misplaced her house key in my possession.
I thought about how she dismissed me and hesitated briefly. After unlocking her door and entering, I carefully tore open the garbage bags before scattering the contents all over her spotless house. Food that is rotten, old newspapers, and dirty diapers are all thrown together in a disgusting heap.
I went out wrecked, feeling both fulfillment and responsibility. As I was putting Connie to bed that evening, I heard loud banging on my front door. I realized it was Emery before I even opened it.
She yelled at me and asked me what I had done to her house. I serenely denied everything, advising her that, as per her, I never had the key. She said she would call the police, but I knew she didn’t have any evidence.
Crushed, she stomped off. I felt a strange mix of relief and regret as I shut the door. Although I was aware that I had crossed a line, it felt right at the time.
Once in a while, you need to defend yourself, regardless of whether it implies taking care of business. After this, I didn’t think Emery would ask me for any more favors.
