When my family moved to Silver Springs, it felt like a dream—quiet streets, a big yard, and plenty of space for our kids,
Simon and Abby. Everything was perfect until we found a typed letter taped to our door titled “Neighborhood Rules.” It listed bizarre
demands: no laughter above 60 decibels, no toys over eight inches, and playtime ending at 6 p.m. Signed by our neighbor, Melissa
We laughed it off—until Simon and Abby came home in tears. Melissa had shown up at the playground with a clipboard, banning them
for “playing too loudly.” Furious but unwilling to fight, I decided to get creative. That night, I drafted fake rules—like
“dogs must wear socks” and “birds can’t sing above 50 decibels.” I delivered them to every house except Melissa’s.
