Sticky situation
By dlkuku
@dlkuku (1935)
United States
April 29, 2007 6:26pm CST
Next door to my house is a separate parcel of land that my husband and I want to buy, since we only have 6 inches of land between our house and the parcel. On the other side of the parcel which is half an acre (the same size as our lot) is another parcel with a big abandoned house on it.
The house, and the separate parcel between my house and it are owned by the same people under different deeds.
The house has been empty for several years and now it is up for sale by owner. We figured we would call and see if we couldn't get them to sell us the separate parcel. But no matter how many times we call, and leave messages, no one returns our calls. We also found out from the tax office that taxes haven't been paid on either property since 1999.
But now the sticky part, which is quite a moral dilemma for me, and makes me feel uncomfortable to say the least.
The other day, my husband and I saw a vehicle there and thinking it was the owner, I suggested that we go talk to them. Well, it was actually a prospective buyer, and they haven't been able to get in touch with the owners either, but since the door was unlocked, they went in to look around.
After we talked to them, we were then talking to the neighbor, and I said something about how I would love to see what the inside of the house looked like.
So my neighbor said, 'Let's go!' Reluctant, but still curious I went. The house is a mess, it is filled with all kinds of abandoned junk, clothing, furniture, brick a brack.
My neighbor found a folding table in the garage, and she TOOK IT!
I was flabbergasted, and she said, 'Well, whoever buys this place is probably just going to throw all this stuff away.'
So anyway, to make a really, really long story short. I had mentioned that I had seen a red oil lantern there, and today my neighbor went up there and got it for me!
I don't want it, I don't feel right keeping it. I feel like it's stealing, even if I didn't actually take it myself.
But I am afraid to take it back up there in case the neighbor sees me, or asks me about it.
What would you do?
1 person likes this
3 responses
@gapeach65 (805)
• United States
30 Apr 07
That's quite a sticky situation. I understand your apprehension about taking it back, if you do, and they happen to see you, even if you tell them what happened, they may not believe you. I would still try to take it back, if nothing else just place it on the porch, that way you've returned it and your conscience will be a little clearer. Another suggestion would be, if you don't want to confront the one who did take it, write a note, attach it to the lantern and place it on their porch so that they can return it if they wish, either way, it won't be in your procession. Then maybe you won't feel too much guilt about it, you may still feel a little any way since you know it had been taken from the house. Good luck with what you decide to do.
@sunshinelady (7609)
• United States
30 Apr 07
I don't know how good a neighbor she is or if you are very close. I would just explain to her that I don't feel comfortable in taking it. That it is not mine and I plan on going and putting it back. That I have no problem with her doing it if that is how she feels but I won't get a moments rest until I take it back. She should understand. Don't say anything that you think it is stealing or else she will get offended. Just let her know you are not comfortable in keeping it.
1 person likes this
