When Mike and I moved into our new home, everything seemed perfect including our friendly neighbors, Jane and Tom Johnson. They welcomed us with warm smiles and a pie, and soon we were sharing pool parties, garden tips, and weekend barbecues. Three months in, I found a mysterious note tucked in a drawer from the previous owner: “Beware of the Johnsons. They’ll make your life hell.”

We laughed it off until we returned from vacation to find our yard trashed, the pool filthy, and garbage everywhere. When we confronted the Johnsons, they denied everything and even tried to blame another neighbor. But a quick chat with Ethan and Olivia across the street revealed the truth—they had installed security cameras that caught the Johnsons partying in our yard, letting guests vandalize our property.

Furious but focused, Mike and I decided to return the favor. That night, we redecorated their lawn with their own trash and let our kids get “creative” with paint on their fence. The next morning, Jane’s horrified scream was music to our ears. We strolled over with coffee in hand and delivered their own words back to them: “You’re blowing this out of proportion. Kids will be kids, right?”

After we showed the footage to the rest of the neighborhood, the Johnsons were left cleaning up their mess—literally and socially. That warning note may have come too late, but it was right. And next time, we’ll trust it the first time.