I knew something had to be done when my new neighbors put a camera pointed at my backyard. A straightforward idea to teach children a lesson about privacy quickly devolved into a crazy performance that attracted the attention of the local authorities, with unanticipated repercussions.
I never imagined that my goal as an amateur actress would be to humiliate my inquisitive neighbors, but life has a way of taking you by surprise.
The beginning was when Frank and Carla moved in next door. At first, they seemed decent enough, although a little… strange.
I remarked, “Welcome to the neighborhood,” and extended a basket of tomatoes from my garden to them. “I’m Zoe.”
Carla’s eyes flitted wildly in alarm. “I’m grateful. We’re really worried about security. You know what I mean?”
Even if I didn’t, I still nodded. I had no idea what that would entail for me.
When I got back from seeing my mom a week later, there was something startling in my backyard. While I was relaxing in my bikini, taking care of my cherished tomatoes, I observed a tiny black item beneath their house’s eaves.
“Is that a camera?” I squinted at it and mumbled. When I saw it was aimed right at my yard, my blood raced cold.
Still in my bathing suit, I marched over to their home and banged on the door. Frank responded, appearing irritated.
“Why is there a camera pointed at my yard?” I insisted.
He gave a shrug. “It serves security purposes. We must ensure that nobody scales the fence.”
“That’s absurd,” I stammered. “You’re invading my privacy!”
Behind him, Carla materialized. “It is our right to defend our assets,” she replied icily.
Furious, I walked out. I could have sued them, but who has the resources or the time for that? No, I required an alternative strategy.
I then gave my friends a call.
I said, “Samantha, I need your help.” “How do you feel about a little… performance art?”
She chuckled. “This intrigues me. Tell me more.
I laid out my strategy, and before long, the entire crew was on board. Miguel, our in-house expert in special effects, and Harriet, who has never met a costume she didn’t enjoy.
I questioned whether I was going too far as we made our strategy. “Guys, are we sure about this?” During our last meeting, I inquired.
Samantha touched my shoulder with her hand. “They’ve been watching you for weeks, Zoe. They have a lesson to learn.”
Miguel gave a nod. And it’ll be enjoyable! When did we last act in such a bizarre manner?”
Harriet smiled. “I’ve already begun working on the outfits. There’s no turning back now!”
Their excitement spread to me, and I started to lose my doubts. “Alright, let’s do this.”
We got together in my lawn the following Saturday, dressed to the nines in the most absurd combinations. I had worn a tutu over a scuba suit and a neon green wig.
“Ready for the garden party of the century?” I smiled.
Samantha twitched her space suit. “Let’s give those creeps a show they’ll never forget.”
We began with standard party activities, if you can call anything standard while you’re disguised as circus escapees. We took sure to remain in the camera’s line of sight while dancing and playing games.
“Hey, Zoe!” With his pirate hat off, Miguel let out a cry. “How’s your mom doing?”