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

He tended his lush lawn while our dreams withered.

He’d likely seen me bringing groceries home, clueless that I’d returned many items due to the expenses he contributed to.

Or perhaps he was aware.

I can’t decide which thought unsettled me more.

The following water bill showed up one Thursday.

I nearly left it sealed.

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