I had to act when my new neighbors installed a backyard camera. What began as a pleasant privacy lesson escalated into a chaotic spectacle that engaged the cops and surprised me.
I never imagined I’d play pretend for inquisitive neighbors, but life is crazy.
Carla and Frank moved next door, starting it. They were odd yet alright at first.
“Welcome to the neighborhood,” I replied, offering a basket of homegrown tomatoes. I’m Zoe.”
Nervously, Carla glanced about. “Thanks. We value safety. You understand?
No, but I nodded. I had no idea what was coming.
A week later, I returned from visiting my mom to find something strange in my backyard. While watering my tomatoes in my bikini, I saw a little black creature beneath their roof.
“Is that a camera?” I mumbled, looking. My heart sunk as I saw it aimed toward my yard.
I marched to their door in my swimwear and banged firmly. Angered, Frank opened the door.
How come a camera is pointed at my yard? I requested.
Shrugging. “For security. We must monitor the fence.”
“That’s silly,” I responded. “You invaded my privacy!”
Carla acted. “We’re just keeping our house safe,” she added coldly.
I left furious. Going to court would have been extremely expensive and time-consuming. I needed a better strategy.
So I phoned pals.
I asked Samantha for assistance. “What about a little prank?”
She chuckled. Sounds good. Please elaborate.”
I pitched my concept, and we formed a team. Miguel, a props expert, and Harriet, a costumer, joined in.
I worried during our previous meeting. Is this too much, guys? I requested.
Samantha rubbed my shoulder. “Zoe, they spied on you for weeks. They must learn.”
Miguel grins. It’ll be fun! Do we ever do anything this crazy?”
Harriet showed her sparkling costume. Already working on this. Stop quitting!”
I was fired up by their enthusiasm. “Let’s do it.”
We gathered in my lawn the next Saturday in the funniest clothes. My swimwear was covered by a tutu and bright green wig.
Ready for the finest backyard party ever? I asked, beaming.
Samantha adjusted her alien mask. “Let’s show those snoops something unforgettable.”
We began with typical party stuff—as regular as you can get when you look like a circus runaway. Danced, played games, and remained in camera view.
“Hi, Zoe!” Miguel called, slipping his pirate helmet. Is your mom okay?
“She’s good,” I grinned. Still attempting to match me with her friend’s son.”
Harriet laughed, red cape bouncing. Typical mom stuff. Did you inform her about the camera?
“Nope,” I answered. “She’d probably storm over and yell at them.”
“That’d be hilarious,” Samantha added, and we laughed at my mom chastising Carla and Frank.
Then came the main event.
“Oh no!” Yelled, pointing at Samantha. “She hurts!”
Miguel brandished a ketchup-covered rubber knife. “She was due!”
Sam collapsed dramatically, ketchup “blood” covering her. We raced around acting scared.
Call police! Waving her cloak, Harriet yelled.
“We must hide her!” Loudly, I replied.
A horrible sensation came over me. The neighbor’s curtain shifted. Were we seen? Everything stopped save our hard breathing.
Looking at each other, we froze. For a moment, our pretend game seemed genuine. Dogs barked nearby, making us jump.
Time slowed. Unsure of what to do, we waited.
Miguel gripped the ketchup-covered knife with a shaking hand. Samantha scarcely moved on the ground. The air seemed thick, like something enormous was going to happen.
My mouth dried. I considered how to explain this to someone who observed. Would they believe the joke? Or would our joke get us in trouble?
A automobile door banged on the street. All of us jumped nervously. A sound of footsteps approached. Has anybody contacted the police?
Sounds of sirens followed. “Here we go,” I muttered. Quick, everyone inside!
We quickly lifted Samantha, removed the ketchup, and changed her clothing. We looked innocent at my dining table when the cops knocked.
“Everything okay here?” the officer said, puzzled.
I pretended shocked. “Yes, officer. Is anything wrong?
She stated my address was reported for a crime. I feigned to be astonished, then announced my discovery.
“Oh! I explained that we were playing a stupid backyard acting game. Guess it looked genuine, huh?
The cop frowned. How did anybody view your backyard? Your fences are high.”
I sighed. That’s the issue, officer. Neighborhood cameras are pointing at my yard. They’ve been filming me without permission.”
Her eyes grew. “Really? We must communicate.”
Police went next door as we observed from my window. Carla and Frank were terrified when answering questions.
An hour later, the police returned. You were unlawfully recorded by your neighbors. We stole their camera, which might lead to prosecution. Give a statement?
I pretended astonished. That’s dreadful! I had no idea it was that nasty. Will make a statement and aid in court if needed.”
After the cops departed, my buddies and I rejoiced.
“It worked!” Samantha chuckled.
Miguel lifted his glass. “To Zoe, prankmaster!”
I smiled but felt odd. Were we too far?
Harriet shook her head. “They monitored you. They deserve it.”
The following day, I enjoyed the sun in my garden without cameras. I observed Carla and Frank leave with luggage while watering my vegetables.
I felt horrible, but then I recalled being videotaped. They decided. Just helped them confront it.
Smiled when I plucked a tomato. Sometimes a creative technique is better than fighting nosy neighbors.
Also, if gardening fails, I could be excellent at acting.
I saw Samantha for coffee a week later. “Any news about Carla and Frank?”
Shaking my head. “The police haven’t responded since they left. Perhaps no charges will be filed. However, I don’t miss them.”
Samantha grins. “Bet they won’t try cameras again.”
I hesitated after saying “Yeah”. Do you think we were cruel? They seemed really scared.”
Samantha leaned forward. They breached the law, Zoe. Did that camera creep you out? They mistreated you for weeks.”
I nodded, feeling guilty. “Just not used to playing the bad guy.”
She chuckled. Your not the evil person. You defended yourself.”
A moving truck arrived at the neighbors’ home as I irrigated my garden. A joyful young couple left.
I considered greeting them or warning about the elderly neighbors. But I let it go. Let these newcomers start over—no anxieties, no suspicions.
As I returned to my tomatoes, I decided. I’d be friendly yet cautious. When you need another outdoor party is unknown.