The note appeared beneath our windshield wiper on a Tuesday morning: “One car per house!” We stared at it, puzzled. We had always parked our two vehicles in front of our home, and both were registered. There were no signs, HOA restrictions, or city rules limiting a household to one car. We laughed, tossed the note away, and went about our week.

Three days later, engines outside shattered our silence. Through the window, I saw a tow truck lifting my car while another positioned itself beside my husband’s. We rushed outside, trying to understand what was happening. Then I noticed our neighbor across the street, arms folded and smiling proudly. It was the same woman whose handwriting matched the note. I walked toward her, trying to stay calm as possible. “Wow,” I said. “You really did it.” She demanded to know what was funny. Click continue reading below for Part2