One evening, as I watered my garden, Patrice approached me again. “Please, I’m begging you,” she said, eyes red from crying. “I’ll pay for the whole fence this time. I can’t live like this. Duke’s driving me up the wall, and I can’t afford to replace more furniture.”
I sighed, feeling both frustrated and sorry for her. “Patrice, I get it, but I can’t risk rebuilding the fence and facing another dispute. It’s not worth the hassle.”
She stared at me, anger mixing with desperation. “You don’t know what it’s like. I can’t leave the house without worrying what Duke will destroy next. My job’s suffering, and I have no life anymore. Please, there’s got to be a way.”
Seeing her so distraught, I softened slightly. “Look, I’ll help you brainstorm other solutions, but rebuilding the fence isn’t happening.”
Patrice nodded, wiping her tears. “Thank you. I appreciate it.”
