Later that afternoon, a knock sounded at my front door.
Two police officers stood outside.
“Mr. Hawthorne?” one asked politely. “We just wanted to check in. Heard there was some damage to your property.”
I blinked in surprise.
“It’s… fixed now,” I said. “But yes, there was damage. My fence. Yesterday evening.”
“We’re aware,” the second officer replied. “We’ve reviewed the footage. We just needed to confirm that the repairs were completed to your satisfaction.”
“Footage?” I repeated, my heart beginning to pound.
The first officer nodded.
“Your neighbor recorded the entire incident on his phone. Mr. Carmichael reversed into your fence. The footage shows him stepping out, mocking you, and then driving off.”
My mouth fell open.
“Who… who recorded it?”
“Your next-door neighbor. Graham. He lives in the blue house to your left.”
I frowned, trying to recall him.
Over the years I had occasionally seen a man and a small boy entering and leaving that house, but I had never learned their names.
“He was in his backyard,” the officer continued. “Setting up a tripod. He’s a freelance videographer and shoots nature time-lapses. He caught the whole incident without even realizing it until later that night.”
“And… he fixed the fence?”
“Yes, sir. Repaired the whole thing after he asked to hand the money Carmichael paid for damages. He didn’t want to embarrass you. Said he respected your privacy.”
My throat tightened.
I wanted to respond, but words refused to come.
“Carmichael’s vehicle has been impounded,” the second officer added. “He was fined for property damage, and your neighbor’s footage made that possible. Just thought you should know.”
As they turned to leave, I finally managed to say quietly:
“Thank you.”
They tipped their hats politely and walked down the path.
That evening I sat outside beside the tea table, the envelope resting on my lap.
The solar statues had begun to glow softly as dusk settled over the yard.
I looked toward the blue house next door.
Graham.
The name felt unfamiliar on my tongue, even though we had lived side by side for years.
