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

My brother pointed, and our world changed forever.

Freshly cut timber surrounded the opening.

Ray’s shoulders sagged.

Marjorie appeared at the edge of our driveway.

Her gaze shifted from the hose to the expanse of Ray’s grass.

Comprehension then slowly dawned in her expression.

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