Anastasia thought her backyard would be a peaceful retreat, but the neighbor’s kids turned it into their playground. When their entitled mother, Sandra, pushes too far, Anastasia hatches a bold plan to reclaim her space. I’ve been living with my sister Emma for 10 years, and we’ve still got this old trampoline in the backyard from when she was little.
One sunny afternoon, I was getting the backyard ready for a gathering with friends. I noticed the neighbor’s kids playing on our old trampoline. Sandra and John moved in about a year ago with their four children, and for the past two weeks, the good weather had them outside all the time.
The kids had asked me if they could use the trampoline. I said yes, but only for a little while since my friends were coming over for drinks. It was around 7 p.m.
when my friends started to arrive. I decided it was time for the kids to leave. “Hey, kiddos,” I called out, waving my arms to get their attention.
“Time to go home. My friends are here, and we’re about to start our gathering!”
One of the girls, Tia, pouted and whined, “But we’re having so much fun!”
“I know, but you’ve been bouncing for three hours,” I said gently. “It’s time to give the trampoline a rest and let the grown-ups have their time.”
Sandra then poked her head out of her window.
“Anastasia, can the kids stay a little longer? They’re having such a good time!” she called out. Seriously???
I thought to myself. I’m not a babysitter! I walked over and tried to be polite.
“Sorry, Sandra, but I really need them to go now. My friends are here, and we need some adult time.”
Sandra frowned. “Come on, just a little longer?
They’re not bothering anyone.”
I took a deep breath. “I understand, but I have guests, and we’re going to start having drinks. It’s not appropriate for the kids to be around.”
Sandra looked annoyed but let it go.
“Fine, kids, come on in,” she said reluctantly. The kids, still upset, slowly climbed off the trampoline and headed home. Tia looked back at me with big, sad eyes.
“Everything okay?” my friend Laura asked, handing me a glass of wine. “Yeah, just a little neighborly drama,” I said, taking the glass. “But now, let’s enjoy the evening!”
Another friend of mine, Mike, laughed.
“You’ve got to set boundaries with those kids. Otherwise, they’ll be here all the time.”
“I know,” I said, nodding. “They’re sweet kids, but I’m not running a daycare.”
“Maybe we should put up a ‘No Kids Allowed’ sign during parties,” Emma joked.
Everyone laughed, and I felt the tension melt away. “Good idea, Emma. But for now, let’s just have a good time.”
The backyard was filled with laughter and the smell of grilled food, and I knew it was going to be a great night.
Last week, though, Sandra just crossed the line. When I came home from shopping, I found the kids, along with their cousin, jumping on the trampoline again. “Hey!” I called out, setting my grocery bags on the porch.
“What are you all doing here?”
The kids looked at me but didn’t stop bouncing. “Our mom said we could play,” one of them said defiantly. I took a deep breath, trying to stay calm.
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
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