Exhausted and barely functioning on any decent sleep, Genevieve’s life was all about survival since her twins, Lily and Lucas, were born. Days blurred into nights, and taking care of her two newborns left her with no energy for anything else.

While the entire neighborhood was buzzing with excitement over the approaching Halloween, Genevieve could hardly keep up with the usual suburban festivities.

And then there was Brad, her next-door neighbor.

surface. “I’ve got newborn twins, Brad. I parked there because it’s easier for me when I’m carrying two babies.”

Brad shrugged again. “That’s not my problem, Genevieve. After Halloween, you can park there again.”

Genevieve stood speechless, her exhaustion dulling the sharpness of her anger. Instead of yelling, she turned and walked away.

But as she cleaned her egg-covered car later that day, a thought crossed her mind—this wasn’t over. If Brad wanted to play dirty, she was ready to play smarter.

That night, rocking Lily to sleep in the nursery, an idea formed. Brad’s weakness was his pride—his haunted house display. He needed his elaborate decorations to be perfect. Genevieve didn’t have the energy for a direct confrontation, but subtle revenge? That she could do.

The next day, Genevieve walked over to Brad’s yard as he was putting the final touches on his decorations.

“Hey, Brad,” she called out cheerfully. “I’ve been thinking—your setup looks great, but have you ever considered adding some high-tech stuff to really make it pop? Like fog machines and ghost projectors?”

Genevieve’s door. She opened it to find Brad, looking deflated, much like his giant inflatable. He seemed uncomfortable, his arrogance nowhere to be found.

“I, uh, wanted to apologize,” he mumbled, avoiding eye contact. “For egging your car. I overreacted.”

Genevieve crossed her arms, taking her time before responding. “Yeah, you did.”

Brad shuffled his feet, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just… I didn’t realize how hard it must be with the twins and all. I’m sorry.”

Genevieve let the silence linger, watching him squirm. “Thanks for apologizing, Brad. I’m sure it won’t happen again.”

Brad nodded, eager to leave the awkwardness behind. “No, it won’t.”

Brad nodded, eager to leave the awkwardness behind. “No, it won’t.”

As he turned to leave, Genevieve couldn’t resist adding, “Funny how things have a way of balancing out, huh?”

Brad glanced back, but for once, he had nothing to say.