A Stubborn Kid Tramples His Lawn Daily, But His Unique Retaliation Takes an Unexpected Turn.
In a suburban neighborhood, the Original Poster (OP) finds himself in a peculiar conflict with a defiant kid who persistently tramples his lawn after soccer games. As the tension escalates and transforms into an unusual ritual of hosing down the kid, it triggers a neighborhood spectacle, leaving the OP’s family in a tricky predicament.
A Peaceful Family Setting
OP, a 37-year-old man, lives a harmonious life with his wife and two children, aged 9 and 11. Their tranquil suburban life is disrupted by a local kid who frequently trespasses their lawn after his soccer matches. The child, oblivious to the sanctity of the OP’s property, routinely tramples over their lawn with his cleats on.
The Silent Protest
Initially, OP chooses a non-confrontational approach, shooting stern looks at the kid whenever he notices him. This quiet objection doesn’t deter the child from his daily routine, and OP realizes a more direct confrontation is necessary.
A Direct Approach
After having no success deterring the child with serious looks of frustration, the OP decides on a more hands-on approach. He musters his courage and asks the child to change his path.
The Child’s Defiance
When confronted, the kid decides to respond with defiance, stomp harder and twist his feet into the grass to provoke OP. It’s a bold display of stubbornness, escalating the conflict into new territory.
No More Peaceful Measures
The peaceful days seem far behind now as the innocent-looking child turns into a rebellious adversary. With the kid’s defiance worsening, OP considers if he should find out what house the kid lives in and speak with his parents.
The Hose Response
With the kid’s defiance worsening, the OP is outside one day watering his lawn and sees the kid approaching his property. OP decides to take a different approach, resorting to hosing the kid when he trespasses.
Possible Success?
The initial reaction is promising as the kid runs off, apparently startled by the sudden spray of water. But OP’s triumph is short-lived.
A Surprising Turn
To OP’s surprise, the kid starts returning during the following weeks, apparently unfazed by the hose. He seems to even enjoy the cooling effect of the water after his sweaty soccer sessions. The kid’s persistent defiance starts taking an unexpected, somewhat annoying turn.
The Watered-down Routine
A peculiar routine starts to form between OP and the kid. OP, sitting in his lawn chair, points the hose at the kid, who merely stands there, enjoying the cooling spray. The hostility starts to recede, replaced by small talk and an almost friendly atmosphere.
A Friendship Blossoms
Despite their rocky start, OP and the kid start to form a bond. They spend around 15-20 minutes every day chatting while the hosing continues. It seems the initial rivalry has transformed into an unusual friendship, much to OP’s surprise.
The Wife’s Disapproval
OP’s wife expresses her disapproval of this strange ritual. Even after hearing his explanation, she believes it’s making them look foolish. Her opposition introduces a new layer of conflict in the story.
Ignoring the Spouse
Despite his wife’s concerns, OP continues his amusing ritual with the kid. He sees no harm in it and finds the whole situation entertaining. The tension between OP and his wife grows over this peculiar issue.
The Neighborhood Gossip
Rumors start circulating in the neighborhood about the odd daily spectacle at OP’s house. The sight of a grown man spraying a kid with a hose starts drawing attention. This new external pressure further complicates the situation.
An Unexpected Alliance
The kid, realizing the tension he’s caused between OP and his wife, offers to talk to her. He assures OP that he can convince her about the innocence of their routine. This unexpected proposal raises hope in OP, adding an unforeseen twist.
He assures her it’s all in good fun, and he holds no grudges against OP.
A Neighborhood Tradition
With his family’s support, OP continues his peculiar ritual with the kid. The neighborhood slowly starts accepting this eccentricity, even coming to enjoy the spectacle. This newfound acceptance transforms the previously annoying routine into a cherished neighborhood tradition.
Is The Man’s Behavior Appropriate?
The readers in the forum had a lot of mixed views on the matter. Here are some of their responses:
Forum Responded
One reader said, “Inter-generational friendships can get a lot of bad rep simply because there are creepy people out there who befriend children for creepy reasons. But, they can be so wholesome and sweet, like OPs.”
Another responder wrote: “Kid is obviously deprived of attention and is weirdly getting something bizarrely meaningful from this incredibly strange relationship.”
A different person states, “Ok, this is hilarious. I was going to say you were the a***** and get a fence, but I see nothing wrong with what’s going on now.”
What Do You Think?
What are your thoughts on their actions?
What would you have done in this situation?
This story is inspired by this thread.
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