Chapter 8 - THE HAMMERING
Jason walked to the rear window.
A crew was installing fence posts along a surveyed line thirty feet closer to the house than the existing lawn suggested.
Beyond them stood stakes marking the cottage foundation.
Another truck was parked near Margaret’s old sedan.
Two workers were loading her boxes.
Melissa hurried to the glass.
“You can’t put that fence there.”
Margaret joined them.
“The survey says I can.”
“What about Thomas’s playset?”
“It’s on your property.”
“The fire pit?”
“Mine.”
Melissa turned.
“You’re taking the fire pit?”
“I’m removing it because it’s inside the construction footprint.”
“You gave it to us.”
“No. You installed it without asking.”
Jason closed his eyes.
“Melissa.”
“What?”
“Did you know it was Mom’s land?”
“Obviously.”
“Then why are you acting surprised?”
“Because nobody actually thought she’d build.”
Margaret stared at her.
That sentence answered months of argument.
Nobody actually thought Margaret would use what belonged to her.
Her time.
Her money.
Her land.
Her right to leave.
All of it existed as long as it remained available to them.
Melissa pointed outside.
“That cottage destroys our view.”
Margaret said:
“Then enjoy the view before framing starts Tuesday.”
Jason almost smiled.
He stopped himself.
May you like
Wrong moment.
Still funny.
