Our water bill soared to $214, and I discovered my neighbor secretly siphoning from our outdoor faucet, prompting unexpected advice from my husband.

It felt like the investigation’s sudden end would shatter our trust forever.

Thus began the mutual scrutiny between Ben and me.

We cut down our shower times.

Unless the dishwasher was totally packed, I refused to run it.

Each evening, Ben made it a point to inspect the toilets for drips.

Come June, an argument erupted in our kitchen.

Last month, the weight of $214 shook our world.