My Annoying Neighbor and I Went to War Over

A New Beginning with a Gnome
Early one morning, I placed a cheerful ceramic gnome under my rose bushes, hopeful it would bring a little magic to my yard. “He was going to sit proudly beneath my rose bushes,” I thought. But my neighbor Josh wasn’t pleased. When he saw the gnome, he warned me, “They’re cursed. You put one on your lawn, and it’s like inviting bad luck to sit down for dinner.” I laughed it off, saying, “If misfortune shows up, she can help me garden. He stays.”

Neighborly Conflict Escalates
The next day, Josh filled the air with thick smoke from lanterns he hung all over his yard, claiming it “cleanses dark energy.” I coughed, “You’re fumigating the whole block!” Not to be outdone, I bought ten more gnomes, arranging them like an army facing his hedge. Josh looked defeated, but soon after, an HOA inspector arrived, listing numerous violations in my yard—apparently because of the gnomes and other decorations. Josh watched with a smug grin, and I reluctantly moved my gnomes to the backyard, feeling like I’d lost more than decorations.

Making Peace Through Paint
The next day, while I was fixing my porch trim to meet HOA demands, Josh showed up with paint and brushes. “I’m sorry, Mary. I went too far. I didn’t mean for that HOA lady to tear into you like that.” We painted together, and he shared, “I lost my wife two years ago… The house… it’s been quiet. Lonely.” I told him, “My gnomes made the quiet feel less hollow. A little whimsy goes a long way.” Josh smiled and said, “Maybe they’re not unlucky. Just misunderstood.”

A New Friendship Blossoms
That evening, I asked, “Can I bring him back?” holding the original gnome. Josh nodded, “Let’s start with one. I’ll bring the coffee if misfortune shows up.” We placed the gnome back by the rose bush. “Dinner?” Josh asked. “You can tell me which of the others are the most cursed.