Every year, my family « forgot » to invite me to the holidays. This year, I bought a cabin in the mountains and posted photos: « The best Christmas present I could have ever dreamed of! » The next day, they told me my brother and his wife were moving in with me…

Dear Gregory, Celeste, and Julian, Thank you for your enthusiasm about my new property. To clarify, the house is not available for visits or vacations this year. It is a private residence, not open to guests or occupancy. I have other personal plans. Please do not come to High Timber, as I will not be able to accommodate you. Any attempts to enter the property will be denied. I hope this clarifies the situation. Sincerely, Faith Stewart, Board Member, Halycon Pine LLC

I pressed « Send. » My phone went completely silent. A group chat, a tombstone. It was the waves receding before the wave. I went to the side door, grabbed a drill, and replaced the flimsy bolts on the strike plate with 7.5 cm ones, driving them deep into the house’s frame. I closed the door and slid the deadbolt. A soft, decisive, final click. The sound of « no, » carved into the steel.