The Hummer swerved to avoid the trash can rolling into the road and came to a dead stop halfway into the Daniels’ driveway. Oscar sprang out, his hand slicing through the air. “Who’s the dunce who can’t keep his trash can in its place?” He grasped the rim of the can and howled at the sight of the family name on its side: Daniels.
Oscar marched up the driveway with his trash can in one hand, loosening his tie with the other. He pitched the can against the wall, causing the trash bag inside to fly out. Empty tin cans inside the bag rattled together, making a hollow ringing noise that echoed up the corner beside the door. He kicked the screen door outside his door, creating a resounding metallic ringing noise.
“Open this door! Now!” Oscar roared.
Behind him, Emmy Garland’s door creaked open. Lyndsey Templeton stepped out into the dooryard, dropping his hands to his hips. “Excuse me,” he said.
Oscar whirled around and faced him, face blazing red, eyes wide. “Back off, Pointdexter!” he snapped. “Nothing over here is your business.”
“I just wondered if you needed some sort of assistance.”
“I’m warning you. Keep your nose back over the line or I’ll be within my rights to whack you right between the beady eyes.”
Lyndsey edged towards Oscar, slipping his hands into his pockets. “I could help you round up the garbage and get your car parked off the street before the cops come around and cite you.”
Oscar stomped over to Lyndsey, bringing his face right up to the math professor. Oscar took Lyndsey’s tie in his hand and wrapped it around, pulling tighter as he moved his fist. “You don’t mess with me and my family…ever,” Oscar hissed.
“While we’re on the subject, my friends next door are being bothered by your activities out here.”
Oscar tugged on the tie. Lyndsey stayed still. Oscar released the tie and threw it back in his face. Behind Lyndsey, the door creaked open once more.
“Get off my property,” Oscar growled.
“This is still Emerald Garland’s yard.”
“It’s not like there’s some kind of visible line. In fact, I’m certain you’re trespassing right now.” Oscar held his fist up at shoulder height, elbow out.
A furry streak whizzed past Lyndsey’s ear and struck Oscar in the face. Oscar crashed to the ground screaming, “Get it off me! Get it off!” Pal scooted away towards Emmy’s door and dashed between Bobbi’s legs, back into the safety of the house. Emmy stepped up to Oscar and announced, “Right between the beady eyes.”
