I spent the afternoon preparing my “gift.” It wasn’t easy to pull off with three kids demanding my attention, but I was determined. I gathered my supplies: a large, plain box, some rope, and a lifelike tarantula—thankfully, a fake one from a party store. I meticulously arranged it inside the box, ensuring it would spring out the moment the lid was opened.

As I placed the box on his doorstep, I couldn’t help but smile. It was a harmless prank, sure to give him a good scare but leaving no mess and causing no harm. It was perfect—just the right amount of payback for the man who thought that teaching me a lesson by egging my car was appropriate.

As night fell, the street filled with costumed guests, their laughter mingling with the eerie music blasting from Derek’s yard. I watched from my window, waiting for the moment when someone—likely Derek himself—would discover my little surprise.