It felt like a nightmare. My favorite coffee table, the old armchair I found at a flea market, and even my grandmother’s rocking chair — all sitting there in the sun, waiting for strangers to take. I knocked the sign down and grabbed my phone with shaking hands, dialing Idran.
After a few rings, he finally picked up. “Hey, what’s up, Rhea?” he answered casually, almost like he was proud. “What’s up?
Are you serious right now? Why is all my stuff outside? Are you completely insane?”
There was a short pause before he spoke.
“You were planning to take all my money anyway,” he said. “I heard you talking on the phone. I know you wanted half of everything.
So now you know what it feels like to lose things that matter to you.”
I was stunned. Sure, I had thought about fighting for my share, but my weekend with my parents helped me decide to just move on and let it go. “You’re unbelievable,” I finally said.
“You really think this fixes anything? You’re only making it worse for yourself.”
He laughed coldly. “Whatever.
Maybe you should charge people for it instead of giving it away for free.”
I wanted to scream, but I knew it wouldn’t help. Idran had made up his mind, and there was no talking him down. I hung up and looked at my belongings all over the grass.
There was no way I could carry everything back in alone. Frustrated, I kicked the small nightstand I had painted myself a few months ago. When it fell, I heard something rattle.
“Oh, what now?” I sighed, squatting down to open the drawer. Inside, I found something that made me smirk despite my rage. “Idiot,” I muttered.
Idran had left some of his stuff behind. Right there, hidden in the drawer, was his father’s old watch — a family heirloom he adored. He never wore it because he was scared of losing or damaging it.
It had been passed down for generations until it reached Idran. Now, I had it. “Checkmate,” I whispered, slipping it into my pocket.
I texted my friend group and asked who could come help me carry things inside. “Idran is such trash, Rhea,” my friend Lineth said, carrying a lamp. “He really outdid himself this time.”
“Yeah,” I agreed.
“But don’t worry, I’ve got a plan to make him pay for it.”
I told her about the watch and how I’d hidden it in my car. I knew Idran would soon realize it was missing. Later that evening, while I was moving the last few pieces inside, my phone rang.
It was him. “Hey, Rhea,” he said, sounding worried. “I think I might have left something important.
Can I come by and grab it?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” I said, taking a bite of pizza. “Please,” he begged. “It’s just the nightstands.”
“Well, some neighbors came by and took a few things.
Pretty sure the nightstands are gone too. But maybe, just maybe, Maelis will sell it back to you.”
There was a long silence. “Rhea, it’s my dad’s watch.
My grandpa’s watch. I really need it back.”
I let the silence drag on before answering. “Oh, that.
Well, like I said, Maelis might have it now. But I’m sure she’ll be fair… if the price is right.”
I could hear in his voice that he knew I was bluffing, but he had no proof. I wasn’t going to make this easy for him.
“How much?” he finally asked. “Well, how much do you think it’s worth? Maybe a few hundred dollars?” I teased.
“Fine,” he said sharply. “Just get it back.”
“I’ll try. But no promises.”
The next morning, Idran showed up while I was sipping coffee on the porch.
“Here,” he said, handing me an envelope. “$500. You know it’s worth much more.”
I nodded.
“Thanks. You can go now,” I said calmly. “I’ll call you about the divorce papers.
My lawyer has some things to discuss,” he said. “Cool,” I replied casually. Idran paused, looked like he wanted to say something, but then just took the watch and walked away slowly.
