The Speedy Sleuth Next Door Series

When I was just four years old, my mother and I embarked on a new chapter of our lives, moving into an area I'll called "The Bay" for this story. Little did we know, our journey would be marked by the challenges posed by our neighbors, particularly one we'll refer to as "Witch."

Our neighborhood was comprised of distinct characters. To our left were the Samuels, an elderly couple who had resided there for nearly two decades. On the right side, there was an empty lot awaiting new occupants. Behind us lived Secure and his wife, Peace, and directly in front of our humble abode resided Witch, a figure whose actions would soon prove to be a thorn in our side.

From the moment my mother began construction on our new home, Witch took issue. Prior to this, the land had served as her personal parking lot and turning space. However, once construction commenced, her routine was disrupted, leading to immediate friction.

My father, the required running water for the construction work. In a neighborly gesture, my mother approached Mrs. Samuel, requesting temporary access to their water meter. An agreement was reached wherein my mother would cover the water bill. However, Witch, ever the meddler, intervened, pressuring Mrs. Samuel to demand more money from us, which my mother reluctantly paid.

The tangled web of relationships became clearer as we learned that Mrs. Samuel's son had married Witch's daughter, linking the two families in an uneasy alliance. Mrs. Samuel's loneliness led her to befriend Witch, unwittingly inviting trouble into her live.

One fateful evening, my father, in a misguided attempt to resolve water pressure issues, sought Witch's assistance once again, only to incur her wrath when she demanded an exorbitant sum for the favor. Tempers flared, and my mother promptly severed ties with Witch.

As the construction progressed, Witch's interference escalated. Her brother brazenly stole construction materials, causing delays and exacerbating tensions. Despite these setbacks, our determination remained unshaken.

Finally, after months of perseverance, our home began to take shape. With doors and windows installed, interior tiled, and walls painted, we made the decision to move in, despite the absence of electricity. A generous gift of a solar light illuminated our new living space, symbolizing hope amidst the darkness.

Reflecting on our tumultuous journey, Mrs. Samuel offered sage advice, warning us against allowing Witch to infiltrate our lives any further. Her cautionary words served as a reminder of the importance of maintaining boundaries in the face of adversity.

In a pivotal conversation, Mrs. Samuel called my mother to impart her wisdom. "Do not under any circumstances, no matter what, invite that lady (Witch) into your home. That was my biggest mistake I made. She will take over your life before you know it. Whatever you do, ignore her and don't invite her into your home."

Stay tuned for Part 2, where the saga continues.