A Gnome to Remember: A Story of Resentment and Play in the Neighborhood

Cranky Old Lady

A tiny garden gnome caused quite a stir in the peaceful communities. My darling granddaughter gave me the cheerful ornament, but my nosy neighbor Carol felt it was hideous. Carol, who refers to herself as the “queen of our cul-de-sac,” informed the HOA about me as a result of the stringent aesthetic standards in our community.

Her fence was an inch too tall, her mailbox was the incorrect color, and those windchimes? An annoyance for noise regulations. I smiled mischievously as I plotted my retaliation. The beginning of Operation Gnome Invasion was secret. With the assistance of friends from the senior center, we built a massive army of gnomes on Carol’s yard. Carol received not one, but two letters of violation, and the HOA received a tip from an unknown person very promptly. I relished the sweet taste of victory as she removed the gnomes rapidly. Even though it can appear peaceful at first, our neighborhood is full of rivalries and friendships.

And occasionally all it takes to spark a revolution is a small yard gnome. My gnome is still grinning broadly and standing proudly by the water. It is an act of rebellion against misbehavior in the community.

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