When a new neighbor moved in next door, he quickly became known for constantly borrowing things. At first, it seemed harmless — a cup of sugar here, a screwdriver there, maybe some flour for cooking. Everyone on the block tried to be welcoming, and most people didn’t think much of it.
But then things started getting strange.
One afternoon, he asked to borrow a vacuum cleaner worth nearly $300. Days passed, and the vacuum never came back. A full week went by without anyone seeing him around the building. Neighbors began whispering that he had probably scammed people and disappeared with whatever he could get.
Just when everyone had given up hope, he suddenly returned.
He explained that his apartment had flooded unexpectedly, forcing him to leave for several days while repairs were being handled. According to him, he had borrowed items because he had nowhere safe to keep his belongings during the chaos.
Some neighbors accepted the explanation immediately. Others weren’t so sure.
Even now, I still can’t decide whether he was simply unlucky… or whether the whole story was just a very convincing excuse.
