My neighbor poured concrete across my driveway because “Women shouldn’t drive” — five minutes after, I changed his tune.
At 60, I earned my driver’s license, passing the test right away and being meticulous to a fault.
Ryan, my new neighbor, instantly took a dislike to me. Initially, I assumed it was just bad luck, but eventually, I caught on that he was acting deliberately.
He would park his pickup so it stretched across my driveway. One time, I mentioned I had an appointment and needed access, and he laughed while glancing at my car.
“Maybe take an Uber, Carol. Women your age have no business driving anyway.”
On another day, as I tried parallel parking, he yelled, “Careful! That mailbox didn’t do anything to you!”
Things escalated when I found the tires on my old Chevrolet slashed. While there was no proof, I had a strong gut feeling Ryan was involved.
I confronted him at his house.
“I’m sorry, but this is MY driveway. Why are you doing this?”
Ryan rolled his eyes in response.
“I don’t care. I’ve been trying to show you that WOMEN CAN’T DRIVE, especially old ones like you. It’s a men’s job.”
Despite this, I replaced my tires and kept on driving, unconcerned about Ryan’s remarks.
Then, one morning, a loud noise jolted me awake.
I hurried outside and stopped short.
Ryan was present in my driveway, instructing two workers to set a large concrete block in front of my car, trapping me in completely.
“What are you doing?!”
He crossed his arms and smirked.
“Now we’ll finally have some peace around here.”
After a beat, I realized there was no reasoning with him.
Ryan only understood certain tactics.
I returned inside and made a single call. Not to law enforcement.
I phoned someone Ryan would never have imagined.
Five minutes later, Ryan was sprinting towards my house, his face pale.
“NO! Anything but that! Please, stop it!!!”