I gave my neighbor a lesson she would never forget instead of receiving $250 from her

Upon reflection of my life, I’ve come to understand that neighbors have the power to either benefit or harm one another. Things with my new neighbor Emery swiftly deteriorated. I learned a valuable lesson from this about how to advocate for myself.

I’m Prudence, a 48-year-old single mother of two who works from home to make ends meet. After my husband Silas left, I was left to pick up the pieces and raise our children by myself. Though it hasn’t always been simple, I’ve developed coping mechanisms.

One day, a tired-looking Emery requested a favor from someone: she needed someone to clean her filthy house for $250. I agreed to make a little additional money. However, Emery broke our agreement after two days of hard effort, which infuriated me and made me lie.

I made the decision to take action on my own and impart fairness to Emery. I filled her house with trash by using the key she had neglected to fetch back.

The following day, Emery became enraged and threatened to contact the police, but I refused to back down since I felt I had done what was required to restore justice.

That day taught me that sometimes, even if it takes getting your hands dirty, you have to put yourself first. Emery gained valuable insight that day: never underestimate Prudence.