Everything was proceeding perfectly. Tommy and Kevin even found each other finally having an interaction beyond simple nods of acknowledgment as they raved about their favorite video games.

As Tommy and Kevin played on the lawn while the adults continued with their own banter closer to the house, a dalmatian suddenly ran towards them and began digging various holes in the yard. Kevin immediately shot up in alarm, running to his dad by the grill.

“Dad! Dad!” Kevin yelled.

“What’s the problem, champ?” Danny asked, concerned.

“Over there! There’s a dog in the yard!” Kevin said, pointing to the dog. Danny and Kevin rushed towards the dog, only to suddenly see Kevin playing with it.

“My yard!!” Danny said, seething with rage. “Who’s dog is this?” Danny yelled.

“She’s our dog, sir,” Tommy said softly, a little taken aback by Danny’s rage. Suddenly, John appeared from behind Danny.

“Everything okay here?” John asked.

“No, everything is not okay. Your dog is making a mess of my yard,” Danny said, pointing to the random hole in the yard.

“Sorry about that. I guess Suzie just has to get used to sharing the space, that’s all. This used to be her playing ground,” John explained.

“Well, that’s good and all, but now it’s our yard. I’d appreciate it if Suzie understood that,” Danny retorted. “C’mon, Kevin,” Danny said, storming off, his son hesitantly following behind him. Kevin and Tommy shared a sad look as their playtime was cut short.

John fluffed up the pillows in a huff as he and his wife prepared to sleep later that day. Judy looked at him, trying to figure out why he seemed to be in such a mood.

“So, are you finally going to tell me what’s got you in such a mood?” Judy finally asked.

“That Danny…he’s a real piece of work, isn’t he? Telling us Suzie should find somewhere else as if he owns the place,” John said.

“Well, technically, he does. It’s partially his property, too,” Judy said, hopping into bed.

“Yeah, but he didn’t have to be a jerk about it. It’s our property, too,” John retorted.

“Please, John. Don’t make a thing of this. Aside from the little incident with Suzie, it was an amazing barbecue. I like Cindy and her whole family. Who knows, you might even find a friend in John. Look at Tommy and Kevin. They seemed to get along very well,” Judy said.

“Friends?!” John said with a scoff. “I highly doubt it. We’ll be alright just as long as he knows his place.”

“Don’t overthink it, my dear,” Judy said, kissing her husband. “Goodnight.”

A few days later, John notices that the Johnson family has parked two of their cars on the lawn, and one has taken up some space on the Summers’ lot. John saw Danny exiting one of the cars and immediately approached him to confront him.

“Hey, Danny. Listen, you’re hogging up the space a little there. It’s a shared space, remember?” John said.

“Yeah, I remember. Did you explain that to your dog?” Danny smugly retorted.

“Is that what this is about? You’re still upset about Suzie?” John asked, confused.

“It’s about respect, John. Have a good day,” Danny said, leaving without another word.

John stormed back to his house, fuming. Who does this guy think he is? Clearly, he doesn’t know who he’s messing with, John thought.

The next day, John decided to take matters into his own hands and started building a wall between their properties to establish a boundary. Danny was furious and blatantly threatened to sue John, but John ignored him and continued building the wall.

Days turned into weeks, and the wall got higher and higher, and likewise, so did the tense feud between John and Danny. But neither was willing to back down. They began to avoid each other and even forbade their children, who had recently become classmates and good friends, from communicating.

Early one morning, John was awakened by a loud crashing sound from outside. Looking out the window, he saw a bulldozer tearing down his wall. John ran out of the house and saw Danny standing near the wall.

“Get your affairs in order, boys! Because your houses are next! Ready or not… Change is coming!” Mr. Cooper concluded before driving off.

“Danny! Are you crazy?! Stop this immediately!” John yelled, furious.

“Listen, I was honestly thinking of doing the same. But I guess I was about a month too late,” Danny said, looking on in awe as the bulldozer continued to tear down the wall.