Jonathan rarely spoke to his neighbors beyond polite nods and brief acknowledgments. He declined invitations, ignored newsletters, and discarded community announcements without opening them. That was why it surprised him when, one afternoon, he found a thick envelope in his mailbox stamped with the crest of the Silvermere Residential Association.
The letter inside was formal and precise, its language stiff with authority.
“Mr. Keller,” it read, “your watercraft is currently in violation of association guidelines. All boats must be removed from visible shoreline areas when not in use. Failure to comply within fourteen days will result in enforcement action.”
Jonathan reread the letter twice, then laughed quietly to himself. His boat was clean, covered, and docked neatly within the boundaries of his property. It was no different from a garden shed or a patio chair. He assumed it was an error and set the letter aside.
Three days later, a knock came at his door.
A woman stood outside, posture rigid, hair pulled tightly back, holding a clipboard as though it were a shield.