Vernon felt a surge of exhilaration as he breathed in the familiar air of his hometown, the cab weaving through streets that held so many memories. Each passing landmark amplified his giddiness, the joy of returning to his homeland almost overwhelming.
As the cab turned onto his street, Vernon’s heart fluttered with anticipation. The thought of seeing his neatly trimmed lawn and sinking into the comfort of his own bed filled him with an almost childlike excitement. Oh! How had he longed for it!
But Vernon had no inkling of the shock awaiting him. Instead of a warm cup of coffee and the embrace of a well-kept home, what greeted him as he stepped out of the cab made his blood run cold.
Growing up in a military family, Vernon was no stranger to the life of a soldier. His father, grandfather, and several cousins had all served, making the military a significant part of his family’s legacy.
This background made his decision to join the Marines at the age of twenty-five feel like a natural progression, a continuation of a proud family tradition. Vernon’s military journey was supported wholeheartedly by his family.
His service began domestically in the United States and later took him to Afghanistan. The day of Vernon’s return was a moment he had long anticipated. The violence and strife he had witnessed were things he hoped to leave behind.
He dreamed of a simpler life, away from the chaos of the battlefield. Fortunately, his savings, combined with U.S. military subsidies, allowed him to purchase a modest home to return to. This home was more than just a structure; it symbolized a peaceful future he had fought hard to achieve.
Throughout the journey from the airport, Vernon fantasized about drawing a hot bath and making himself a stack of fluffy pancakes for breakfast, a delicacy he hadn’t enjoyed in over a year. The mere thought of it filled him with a warm fuzzy feeling.
As Vernon gazed out the window during the cab ride, the sight of tidy lawns and quiet streets was a soothing balm after the turbulence of deployment. However, his relief was swiftly replaced by a sense of unease the moment he stepped out of the cab.
His lawn was overgrown and unkempt, which was strange since Vernon had hired contractors to keep his house in order in his absence. As he took a few steps closer, his mind reeled at the sight of his humble abode.
The front door hung ajar, and the once neatly trimmed lawn was overgrown and unkempt. Windows were broken, and the yard was littered with debris. His heart sank as he realized the extent of the disarray.
Setting his bags down at the front, Vernon readied himself for any unforeseen circumstances. With caution and preparedness, he stealthily navigated to the front door, his senses heightened and alert to any potential threats lurking within his home.
Surveying his backyard, Vernon noticed trash bags and his furniture strewn across the grass. He cautiously approached the front door and reached for the keys under the flower pot only to find them gone. This alarming discovery confirmed his suspicions that something was terribly wrong.
With bated breath, Vernon quietly opened the door, unsure of what he might find inside. The immediate assault of a foul odor hit him as he stepped into the house, intensifying his suspicion that something was amiss.
Inside, Vernon’s worst fears were realized. The living room was in disarray, furniture overturned, and personal belongings scattered. The walls, once adorned with cherished photographs, now bore graffiti and damage. His sanctuary had been violated.
Vernon’s heart sank looking at the state of his house. The dream of returning to the tranquility and stability of home life after his arduous service in Afghanistan shattered right in front of him as he realized that his home had been invaded by squatters.
The realization that strangers had discovered the home’s vacancy and taken advantage of the situation was a bitter pill to swallow. His private space, the home he had bought after years of hard work and toil, was now invaded and ransacked.
His emotions teetered between anger and helplessness. Frustrated yet cautious, Vernon decided to step outside to collect his thoughts. Noticing the squatters were absent, he resolved to find a temporary place to stay, planning to return later and confront them when they were back.
Seeking temporary refuge, he contacted his parents, who graciously offered him a place to stay. Their support was a small comfort amidst the chaos that surrounded him. As Vernon sat in his parents’ living room, the gravity of the situation sank in.
He needed a plan to reclaim his home. Vernon decided to wake up early the next morning, find the squatters, and peacefully ask them to leave. Having just returned from active military duty, he didn’t want to get entangled in a physical altercation.
The next day, Vernon woke up at the crack of dawn and drove towards his house. As he entered the backyard again, he found a couple in ratty clothes sitting on the deck, having breakfast as if they owned the place.
Vernon’s anger flared, but he decided to keep his cool and moved closer to the couple. Taking a deep breath, he addressed them calmly, “Excuse me, I don’t know who you are, but I am the rightful owner of this house, and I need you to leave immediately.”
The man looked up, unfazed, and smirked. “Your home? Looks like we’re living here now, buddy. Finders keepers.” Vernon’s frustration grew, but he maintained his composure. “I’ve just returned from serving my country, and this house is legally mine. Please, leave peacefully.”
The woman leaned back in her chair, crossing her arms defiantly. “We have nowhere else to go. We’re staying.” Vernon clenched his fists, trying to keep his voice steady. “You can’t just take someone’s home. This isn’t right.”
The man stood up, stepping closer to Vernon. “Listen, soldier boy. We’re not going anywhere. We have as much right to be here as you do.” His patience wearing thin, Vernon retorted, “This is my property. You’re trespassing, and if you don’t leave now, I’m calling the police.”
Vernon thought that the mention of law enforcement might finally bring these people back to their senses. But to his surprise, the man started laughing at him. “Do whatever you want, soldier boy. We’re staying right here.”
Vernon’s patience wore thin. He stepped away and called the police, hoping they could resolve the situation. When the officers arrived, Vernon explained the entire ordeal, expecting swift action. However, he was in for an unexpected surprise.
The squatters presented papers claiming they had leased the house. The officers examined the documents and, to Vernon’s disbelief, declared, “These papers seem legitimate. We can’t force them to leave.”
Vernon’s frustration turned to incredulous anger. “This is my home! I never leased it to anyone!” he insisted, his voice shaking with emotion. The police officer sighed, “Without clear evidence to the contrary, there’s nothing we can do. You’ll have to take this up with the courts.”
As the officers left, Vernon stood there, seething with rage and helplessness. How could this happen after everything he had sacrificed for his country? The injustice of the situation was almost too much to bear.
Returning to his parent’s house, Vernon felt an overwhelming mix of anger and defeat. His home, his sanctuary, had been stolen from him, and the very system he had fought to protect seemed to be failing him.
Determined to fight back, Vernon reached out to a lawyer specializing in property disputes. He explained his situation in detail, showing proof of ownership and describing the bogus lease the squatters had presented.
Vernon believed that taking the home invaders to court would offer him some relief. However, his hopes were dashed when the lawyer explained the lengthy timeline of legal proceedings, warning him that the backlogged system meant he might not regain his home for months.
Severely disappointed with the way things had turned out, Vernon decided to head over to a bar to clear his mind. The dimly lit atmosphere and the quiet hum of conversations provided a temporary escape from his mounting stress.
At the bar, Vernon nursed his drink, contemplating his options. Just then, he recognized a familiar face from high school. It was Jake, a friend he hadn’t seen in years. Jake, noticing Vernon, walked over with a grin. “Vernon, is that you? Long time no see!”
Vernon welcomed the distraction and recounted his ordeal to Jake. He detailed the invasion of his home, the fake lease, and the slow-moving legal system. Jake listened intently, shaking his head in disbelief.
Jake, now part of a local biker gang, leaned in closer. “You know, Vernon, sometimes the justice system just doesn’t cut it. If you want those squatters out, maybe a show of force could do the trick.”
Vernon frowned, contemplating the suggestion. “I don’t want to escalate things, Jake. I’ve seen enough violence during my time in the military. I would love to have a quiet and peaceful life but I can’t just sit here and do nothing.”
Jake shrugged. “Think about it, man. We could just show up, talk to them, and make them uncomfortable. They might just get scared and leave without it coming to blows. No one likes dealing with a gang.”
Over the next few days, Vernon mulled over Jake’s suggestion. He had always believed in doing things the right way, but the thought of those squatters living in his house gnawed at him. Desperation began to blur the lines of his moral compass.
Finally, he decided to give it a try, but only as a peaceful negotiation. He called Jake and arranged a time for the gang to accompany him to his house. The plan was to talk to them and intimidate them, not to fight.
When they arrived, the sight of the bikers gathered on the front lawn drew the squatters out. Vernon took a deep breath and approached the couple. “Listen, I’m asking you one last time to leave peacefully. This is my home, and I want it back.”
The man looked Vernon up and down and sneered. “Oh, you brought your biker gang. Do you think that scares us? We’re not going anywhere.”The woman crossed her arms and glared at Vernon. “Yeah, bring all the tough guys you want. We’re staying put.”
Vernon’s anger rose, but he tried to remain calm. “Look, I don’t want to get physical. I just want my house back. You’re trespassing.” The man laughed mockingly. “Trespassing? We’ve been living here for months and have the lease papers for it. This is our home now.”
Vernon clenched his fists, trying to keep his voice steady. “You don’t have the right to be here. This is my property. I’m asking you to leave before things get out of hand.” Vernon had hoped for a peaceful resolution, but the couple started cussing him out.
Vernon’s heart sank. He had hoped the presence of the bikers would tip the scales, but it was clear the squatters were digging in their heels. He turned to Jake and shook his head. “I can’t do this. I’m not going to force them out with violence.”
Jake nodded, respecting Vernon’s decision. “Alright, man. We tried. If you ever need us again, just call.” As the bikers rode away, Vernon felt a mixture of relief and frustration. He had stayed true to his principles, but his home was still out of reach.
Returning to his parents’ house, Vernon knew he needed a new strategy. He had bought this house with every last penny he had saved, and he was determined not to let someone snatch it away from him so easily. That night, he stayed up, thinking of a plan.
Over the next few days, Vernon immersed himself in devising and strategizing ways to evict the squatters without the help of law enforcement. The police had already refused to assist him, and he couldn’t afford to wait months for a court battle.
He needed a solution that avoided both a physical confrontation and a drawn-out legal struggle. Days turned into nights as Vernon sat and contemplated his options. He brainstormed various scenarios, weighing the risks and potential outcomes.
Then, one day, a brilliant idea struck him, filling him with a renewed sense of hope and determination. He knew he couldn’t violate the law, he was a soldier after all! However, that didn’t mean he couldn’t teach these squatters a lesson.
He quickly called Jake, relayed the plan, and asked him to meet at the local pet store. At the pet store, Vernon purchased several containers of stink bugs. He had seen and smelt their wrath firsthand in Afghanistan.
He then headed to the hardware store and started filling the cart with essentials and other hardware tools. Vernon asked Jake to call some of his biker friends. He knew that the stakes of doing this were too high and he needed backup in case something went wrong.
That night, Vernon and Jake, along with a few of Jake’s biker friends, staked out in front of the house. They waited patiently, observing the squatters’ movements and looking for the perfect moment to execute their plan.
As the evening wore on, the squatters eventually settled in for the night. Vernon and his team moved stealthily, positioning themselves around the house. Vernon’s military training kicked in, guiding his every move with precision and caution.
Once everyone was in place, they began releasing the stink bugs through the windows and any other openings they could find. The insects quickly dispersed, filling the house with their overwhelming odor.
Now it was time to move back to their vehicles and let the stink bugs do their job. Vernon and his team quickly left the premises and waited for the smell to permeate the entire house. By dawn, the stage was set, and it was time to get into action.
By early morning, the squatters were alerted by the foul smell. They stumbled out of the house, coughing and covering their noses. Vernon watched from a distance, feeling a surge of satisfaction as his plan unfolded perfectly.
The squatters frantically called for pest control, unable to endure the stench. Vernon and his team remained hidden, their eyes trained on every movement. The sight of the squatters’ distress gave him a grim sense of vindication.
When the pest control team showed up, they assessed the situation and informed the squatters they would need to vacate the premises for at least one night to allow the chemicals to work. This is precisely what Vernon wanted!
Vernon’s heart pounded as he watched the squatters come out with a small bag and hail a cab. Once the squatters were out of sight, he sprang into action, his adrenaline surging. He approached the pest control team and showed them their deed.
“Hi! I am the owner of this house and I am here to make some repairs to my property. Please continue your work.” Vernon said with a steady and authoritative voice. The pest control workers nodded and proceeded with their tasks.
Meanwhile, Jake and his team donned masks and got to work. They moved quickly and efficiently, repairing the broken door and changing all the locks, securing every possible entry point from the house.
Vernon directed his team meticulously, ensuring no detail was overlooked. They reinforced windows and sealed off any spaces the squatters might use to re-enter. They even put on a fence so that the squatters couldn’t enter the backyard or the lawn.
Vernon directed his team meticulously, ensuring no detail was overlooked. By the time they finished, the house was not only secure but fortified. Vernon stood in the doorway, taking in the sight of his reclaimed home.
Vernon thanked Jake and his team for their help. “I couldn’t have done this without you guys. Thank you so much.” Jake clapped him on the shoulder. “Anytime, Vernon. You did the hard part. Now, make sure you stay safe.”
As everyone left, Vernon decided to stay in his car, parked in front of the house. He was anxious that something might happen again if he let the house out of his sight. He watched the house vigilantly, his nerves on edge, as the night wore on.
At the first light of dawn, Vernon decided to go inside the house. And for the first time since he came back, he made himself a nice cup of coffee in his house. As he sipped the warm brew, Vernon prepared himself for the second part of his plan, knowing that the battle was far from over.
As the sun climbed higher in the sky, Vernon settled into a chair by the window, keeping a watchful eye on the street. He knew the squatters would return and try to enter the house again but this time they were in for a rude surprise!
It wasn’t long before Vernon spotted the squatters returning, their expressions calm and unaware. His heart raced with anticipation. He watched as they approached the house, expecting to waltz back in as if nothing had changed.
The first sign of their shock came when they saw the new fence. They exchanged confused glances before attempting to climb over it. Vernon couldn’t help but feel a thrill of satisfaction watching them struggle, their frustration mounting with each passing second.
Vernon watched as they approached the main door, their expressions shifting from annoyance to disbelief. The squatters tried to unlock the door with their old keys but to no avail. The new locks held firm and their confusion turned to anger.
They began banging on the door, shouting threats and curses. Vernon watched from inside, a smug smile spreading across his face. Now was the time for the final act. He picked up his phone and called the police.
The police arrived swiftly, their presence causing the squatters to step back in surprise. As the officers approached the door, Vernon stepped out and explained in an authoritative voice, “These people have been trespassing on my property.”
The squatters shouted in protest, “No, we have the lease paper! We live here!” The officers turned to the squatters, who were still fuming but now visibly nervous. “Do you have any legal right to be here?” one officer asked them.
The squatters stammered and showed their fake lease hoping that the police would help them. However, Vernon showed his ownership papers to the police. His papers were clear and legitimate, leaving no room for doubt. The tables had turned and the squatters knew it.
Vernon watched gleefully as the squatters received the same answer he had been given earlier. “He has the ownership papers, so he’s the rightful owner of the property. If you wish to contest it, you may take it to court. However, for now, we need you to vacate the premises.”
The squatters’ faces contorted with bewilderment and anger, “This isn’t fair! We’ve been living here!” they yelled, desperation creeping into their voices. The officers remained unmoved, repeating firmly, “You need to vacate the premises now, or you will be arrested for trespassing.”
Vernon stood by, his heart pounding with a mix of triumph and relief. The sight of the squatters being forced to leave was a vindication of his struggle. He watched as they were reluctantly escorted off the property, their expressions a blend of shock and helplessness.
As the police cars drove away, Vernon stood on his porch, taking in the serenity that had been absent for so long. He felt an overwhelming sense of peace and gratitude. The journey had been arduous but he finally reclaimed his sanctuary.
Vernon took a deep breath and headed back inside, deciding to fulfill the simple pleasures he had fantasized about. As he savored the bite of his pancake after a hot bath, he finally felt relieved. It was a moment of quiet triumph, a reminder that he was truly home at last.