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

Every time you shower for 20 minutes, I feel the water bill climb.

“They’re not just 20 minutes.”

“Once you enter, time stretches endlessly.”

“You operated the washing machine yesterday for only three shirts.”

“Those were Danny’s work uniforms.”

“Just three shirts, Lisa.”

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