I had eyes I couldn’t believe. For the last month, every Friday night, I had returned home to discover our street turned into a cacophonous chaos. It was the same way this Friday.A weird automobile was parked in my driveway when I arrived home. Anger welled up inside of me.Jessica, my conceited neighbor, was throwing another party. From her house, I could see the vibrant lights and hear the loud music. The car could not be removed by a tow truck without damaging the driveway since it was too small and had retaining walls on both sides. I’d tried contacting one before, so I knew this.I slammed the door after getting out of my automobile. “Great, just what I needed after a tiring day at work!” To myself, I muttered. My patience running thin, I marched over to Jessica’s place. Jessica showed up as I got closer to the front door, a glass of wine in her hand. “Hi Susan! What, another fantastic party?” She smiled brightly and replied. I tried to remain calm as I said, “Jessica, this has to stop.” “Someone parked in my driveway again, and I can’t get into my garage!” Jessica gave a shrug. “Well, Susan, hurry up. It is only an evening. Parking is available on the street.”“That’s not the point,” I angrily remarked. “This week is the fourth consecutive week. I just want to park in my driveway because I’m weary.” Jessica rolled her eyes. “I’ll see whose automobile it is by asking around, but I can’t guarantee it. Let everyone enjoy the party and unwind.” With a disappointed sensation, I turned away. How could she be that irresponsible? After a demanding week, all I wanted was quiet. I groaned and made my way back to my car, hoping for some silence and respect. I stood by for a few minutes. However, no one moved the vehicle, so I had to park on the sidewalk. I stumbled into my house, too exhausted to argue, and yearned for some sleep. Things worsened on Friday the following week. My mother gave me a call that evening.“I have to visit the hospital, Susan. Her voice was faint and wobbly as she said, “My heart’s acting up again.” My heart fell. I was needed by Mom because her health was not stable. I promised her, “I’ll be there as soon as I can, Mom,” as I hurried to the door and grabbed my keys. However, my heart fell when I arrived at my driveway. Guests at Jessica’s party blocked me. Nervous, I marched over to Jessica’s house. I banged on her door, but my sounds were muffled by the music. “Jessica! Let yourself in! I have to exit my car now!” I yelled, but nobody responded. There was no time to linger.I took out my phone in desperation and dialed a cab.I hopped in the cab and sent the driver in the direction of my mom’s house when it eventually came. My heart was pounding with concern for her, and I was simultaneously frustrated and powerless. How could Jessica be so careless with her friends? I was late because of their reckless partying, and Mom needed me. Upon arriving at my mother’s residence, I noticed that she was pale and holding against her chest. My frustration reached a boiling point as we rushed to the hospital. This was the last straw. Jessica’s gatherings and her disregard for her neighbors had become annoying to me. There has to be a change.When Jessica’s party resumed the next Friday, I finally had enough. I carefully parked my automobile to obstruct the guests’ vehicles. I would repay them if they so desired to disturb my tranquility. After several hours, my door was loudly knocked on. When I opened it, Jessica was there, her face flushed with rage. Susan, get your car moved! She cried, “You’ve blocked everyone in!” I firmly stood with my arms crossed. “Jesus, no. Your gatherings and the trouble they generate are enough for me. I’m not relocating my automobile in this driveway.”She looked at me in disbelief. She threatened to call the police if she didn’t relocate her car. I shrugged, experiencing an odd kind of fulfillment. “Please give them a call. I would love to tell them why your guests have been preventing me from entering for weeks.” Jessica’s gaze expanded. That was not what she had anticipated. She blew and huffed, obviously annoyed. “You’re being unreasonable, Susan.” “Unreasonable?” I repeated. I’ve put up with this bullshit for the past four weeks. I nearly missed my mom’s appointment at the hospital last week. This ends right now!” Jessica stormed off, stomping her foot. I grinned to myself as I watched her leave. I would have been the happiest person alive if she had called the cops. Jessica was unaware that she had stepped into my snare.I slouched down on the couch in my living room and shut the door. After a little while, my door was again knocked on. It was the cops this time. I went to the refrigerator, got a beer, took a sip, and pretended to be unsure of myself before responding. An officer was standing there and appeared serious when I opened the door.“Ma’am, good evening. “We got a report regarding a blocked driveway,” he stated, casting a sidelong glance at the drink I was holding. Officer Miller was his name. I smiled as “tipsy” as I could. “Hi, Officer! Howdy! Jessica, her parties, oh my! My driveway has been blocked for weeks by her party goers. I made the decision to repay the favor tonight.” Miller the officer sighed. “I understand your frustration, ma’am, but you need to move your car.” I gave a forceful shake of my head, nearly stumbling for impact. “Officer, I really would like to help, but I’ve been drinking. “Whoops!” I made a scene where I tripped and caught the door frame. “I can’t legally drive right now.” Officer Miller gave his head a scratch. “Are you saying you’ve had enough to drink that you can’t safely operate your vehicle?” I nodded, trying to seem very serious. “Yes, ma’am! I have a valid parking space in my driveway. I have to breach the law in order to relocate my car. First and foremost, safety! Helloc!” To be safe, I added with a hiccup. “Maybe hold off until Tuesday of next week? I have a lengthy weekend planned.”Jessica stood close by, fuming. “This is absurd! She is intentionally doing this.” Officer Miller turned to face her, giggling uncontrollably. “Madam, she cannot drive if she has had alcohol. Furthermore, there is nothing we can do as long as the car is lawfully parked on her land.” Jessica’s expression reddened with rage. She cried out, “This isn’t fair!” I waved the beer bottle in a fictitious salute. Officer Miller gave us a glance while obviously trying not to chuckle. “All right, let us attempt to settle this amicably. It is your responsibility, Ms. Jessica, to ensure that future visitors do not obstruct Ms. Susan’s driveway.” Jessica hurried away while muttered to herself. I smiled as I leaned against the closed door. Perhaps now, things would turn out better. Who knew that acting inebriated could be so powerful? It was not quite over, though. I made the decision to go to the local police station the following morning and make a formal complaint. Who should I bump into as I enter but Officer Miller? He knew who I was right away. “Well, good morning, Ms. Susan,” he grinned broadly. “What brings you here today?” I gave him the rundown on the situation and played him the tapes I had recorded of Jessica’s visitors parking in my driveway on multiple occasions. Officer Miller nodded as he carefully examined the videos. He declared, “This is strong evidence.” “Let’s go have a chat with your neighbor.” Together, we headed over to Jessica’s place. She was outside and was startled when she noticed us coming. “Good morning, Ms. Jessica,” said Officer Miller. “We need to talk about your guests’ parking habits.” Jessica’s expression flushed. “What about now?” she yelled. Officer Miller didn’t lose his cool. “After looking over the evidence, we can see that your guests have repeatedly parked unlawfully in Ms. Susan’s driveway. You’ll have to pay Ms. Susan’s reasonable compensation for the inconvenience and moral damages, and I’ll be fining you for parking illegally.” Jessica was clearly embarrassed and furious. “Susan, stop it! “This is incorrect!” she argued. Unable to contain my satisfaction, I remarked, “Maybe next time, you’ll think twice before letting your guests block someone’s driveway.” With a silent groan, Jessica hurried back inside. The neighbors were amused by the story when they heard what had transpired. My driveway was never parked in by anyone again. In the meantime, my mom got better, and I was able to enjoy my driveway alone for once. < It’s necessary at times to confront conceited individuals and demonstrate to them the repercussions of their behavior. I eventually achieved my sweet retribution and peace of mind, but it required some preparation and perseverance. How would you have responded in that situation?