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

With a knowing glance, Ben gestured toward my phone.

“But we’ve got evidence of you hooking your hose up to our waterline multiple times and using it without consent.”

Ray’s grin vanished.

“We have everything recorded. If it comes down to a formal claim, we’re prepared.”

Marla grabbed the document out of Ray’s hand.

“What’s the amount?”

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