On the anniversary of Mom’s death, I drove there to spend the day alone —

and found strangers’ cars in the driveway, music blaring.

Through the window, I saw Carla and her friends drinking, laughing,

and using my mom’s handmade pillow as a footrest.

It turned out Carla had stolen my spare key from my apartment while I was away, planning a “gathering” at the house.

She dismissed my anger, saying I was “dwelling on the past.”

What she didn’t know was that I had security cameras installed. The footage — along with her mocking text messages —

gave my lawyer everything we needed. In court, Carla faced trespassing and theft charges,

a civil judgment for damages, and a restraining order.

Two months later, she moved out of my dad’s house. He finally saw her for who she was.Now,

the lake house is more secure than ever — still my sanctuary, still the place where

my mother’s spirit feels closest. And thanks to a mix of karma and justice, it will stay that way.