June’s Condition
Things weren’t so simple for Birch these days, despite the fact that they were still extremely happy together. June’s memory was gradually failing due to her dementia diagnosis. Even though Albert was trying his hardest to keep her busy and interested, taking care of her all day long was tiring.
Thankfully, one thing delighted her as much now as it had before the illness began causing devastation on her head. Nobody could have predicted that she would have it taken from her.
The Garden
June’s garden has always been her greatest love in the world. Together, she and Albert had constructed it and cared for it over the years, and now, as they grew older, it remained lively, alive with an array of natural flowers and plants.
In every season, the couple had always spent hours sitting in the garden, taking in the clean mountain air and observing the fauna. It served as their happy haven. They couldn’t know that someone would wish to destroy it.
Happiest Times
Albert was devastated by June’s diagnosis and the fact that she was no longer interested in many of her previous activities. She no longer cooked elaborate foods, read poetry, or knitted, and whenever he tried to bring up her past interests, she would just appear blank. But her gaze brightened when she entered the garden.
He was aware that her memories of the porch swing and the bright lawn were richer than those of being securely snuggled inside. There was always going to be a part of June as long as they had the garden.
New Neighbor
Albert saw a moving van drive up outside the house next door one day while he and June were sitting outside. The house had been vacant for a few months after its former neighbors moved into a care facility.
Albert was curious about the new people who would be living next door. They had noticed an increase in the number of wealthy urban residents wishing to “get back to nature” since the outbreak. They rarely lasted very long. He wondered whether this newcomer would be more committed to living in the highlands or just a blow-in from New York.
Mr. Johnson
Doug Johnson was the new neighbor of the Birches. He was a New York stockbroker in his early forties, just as Albert had predicted, and he was searching for an upstate weekend getaway where he could go cross-country skiing.
Albert approached Mr. Johnson to introduce himself, but he was harsh and unfriendly. With dislike, he surveyed June and Albert’s untidy and weedy garden and asked Albert sharply about boundaries. Although Albert found the exchange odd, he was unaware that his new neighbor was plotting something.
Building a Driveway
A few days later, Albert noticed that Mr. Johnson was having a new driveway made when he heard the sound of construction outside. Mr. Johnson thought he required a poured concrete driveway for whatever reason, even though the majority of the houses in the neighborhood only had gravel approaches.
Albert became aware that the workmen were going dangerously close to his and June’s property as he observed their actions. Even though he was positive it was an accident, he thought it would be a good idea to check in to make sure everything was as it should be.
Don’t Worry
Albert turned to face his neighbor and knocked on his door. With a friendly hello, he asked, “Hey, Mr Johnson, are you building a new driveway?” to his new neighbor. “Yeah, I needed a bigger one,” he politely answered. Albert nodded, then gestured to the area where the laborers were getting the ground ready. “But isn’t that going across my property?” he replied.
Mr Johnson gave his neighbor a smug look. “Oh, that’s not to worry about. He said, “It’ll be alright,” in what he believed to be a comforting voice. “Plus, you and your wife will be welcome to share the driveway when it’s all finished,” he went on.
Coming Home
Albert had to take June to a hospital checkup the following day. These days, she went for checkups on a regular basis, and Albert was always mindful of ensuring to make her appointments. They drove home in silence after the doctor’s bad news.
Albert gasped as they turned the bend and came to their road. It appeared as though their home had been completely destroyed by fire when they arrived at the scene. Gazing at the destruction, he experienced a chill in his spine.
Garden Ruined
A thick covering of grey concrete had crushed their once-thriving garden. Mr Johnson had not only built his new driveway directly over the Birches’ garden, but he had also crossed the property line. The truck’s mixer was still full of concrete, covering every bit of grass and muck.
The plants, flowers, and bushes they had cared for for years had been pulled out of the ground and piled in a mound. In charge of the operation, Mr. Johnson was yelling at his staff to hurry up. Albert saw the expression on June’s face. She had large tears streaming down her pale face.
No Remorse
Albert rushed out of the car, so angry he could feel fury coursing through his veins. He approached Mr Johnson directly. “Mr. Johnson! Our yard! How were you able to? How come you did this?” he stammered.
Mr. Johnson gave him a condescending smile. “I made the decision to assist a neighbour since I could see that you two were no longer able to maintain your garden. My friend, enjoy your new driveway! You’re free to select a location, but I’ll need room for my three cars,” he mumbled coldly.
Completely Devastated
Gradually making his way back to the car, Albert guided June inside the home while avoiding the recently poured concrete. He was at a loss for words. Now, forty years of affection, love, and joyous memories were forgotten.
June cried as if her heart were crushed as they sat on the couch together, but she was at a loss for words when he asked her why. Although Albert was still filled with rage towards Mr. Johnson, the act had been completed. Nothing could save the garden at this point. However, Albert was not going to let Mr. Johnson off so lightly.
June’s Decline
June’s health started getting worse faster than it had in the weeks that followed. She had been anchored to her former existence by the garden, and now that it had vanished, she felt floating on the ocean.
She was quiet and listless and just wanted to sit and watch TV despite Albert’s best efforts to keep her happy and active. He was in shock that this self-centered neighbor had stolen his wife’s final sense of happiness, and for what purpose? So that he could use a level space to park his cars. But there was still more to come.
Driveway Damage
Mr. Johnson just paved over June and Albert’s property boundary, which crossed a portion of the protected wetlands around Saranac Lake. This was something he was unaware of. He could have alerted him to the shaky terrain if he had spoken with Albert.
But now the first cracks were showing, as a portion of the new driveway was gradually sinking into the wetlands. The harm being done to the local nature was something Albert hated to consider. He was unaware, though, that Mr. Johnson was only beginning.
The Bill
A few weeks later, the sound of an envelope landing on the doormat shocked Albert. He was startled to discover a $5,000 bill inside for repairs to “his side of the driveway” when he opened it. There was a knock on the door before he had a chance to consider what he had read.
“Mr. Johnson, what’s up with this $5,000 bill on my doormat? How on earth are you demanding money from me? Albert remarked, “You are the one who destroyed my garden.”
Twisting His Words
But Mr Johnson was prepared with his defense. “Mr Birch, we had a verbal agreement that I would be building a new driveway, which I kindly offered you the shared usage of, and you failed to inform me that your land was a stinking swamp,” he said.
“We now need to fix our common driveway, and this time, the cost is on you. You can choose to pay with a check or in installments; I’ll take both,” he said. Albert was shocked by how Mr Johnson had changed the narrative; although he had never approved of the driveway’s construction, his neighbor was suddenly behaving as though he had done him a favor.
Enough is Enough
Albert tried to argue, but Mr Johnson was tough and persistent. He had no idea how to confront a man of such calibre. But this was the last straw for Albert, who realized after he left that he couldn’t allow this to continue.
Albert, determined to defeat Mr. Johnson, gave it a lot of consideration as to how he could do it. A legal matter didn’t sit well with him; he was already very concerned about June. But it seems that this would be the only option.
Hiring a Lawyer
Albert chose the most famous lawyer he found after getting referrals from others. He was thrilled when the lawyer expressed confidence that the Birches would win the case.
During their long meeting, Albert went into great detail about everything that had happened. The protected wetland status piqued the attorney’s interest since, in addition to Albert not having to pay the $5,000 fee, Mr. Johnson would also face hefty fines for his terrible crimes against nature.
No Funds
When Albert got home and saw June straying along the lakeshore, he didn’t feel too bad about his decision to sue his neighbor. When he waved to her, he could tell that she was trying very hard to figure out who he was. She appeared upset and confused.
The idea that he could afford costly legal proceedings was an illusion to him. June was going to require long-term paid care. He wasn’t sure how long he could take care of her on his own, and he couldn’t take the chance of having to use their resources on a legal battle.
Rock Bottom
Albert felt like he had reached his lowest point that evening. He hoped June—the real June, not this weird imprint of June who could hardly recognize him—was here to help him work things out. She would’ve been aware of what to do.
He crept into the bathroom and sobbed silently, being careful not to wake his wife who was asleep. His neighbor was unjustly seeking $5,000, and he had already lost his garden, his pride, and his partner of more than 40 years. Albert was clueless about where to look.
Banding Together
Albert was unaware, though, that the people of Saranac Lake had been silently following the driveway drama and were outraged on his behalf. Although June’s decline had made them less popular in the community, Albert and June were still well-liked.
Albert had also withdrawn since she did not desire sympathy from others. He was unaware that there were many in the little town who were willing to defend him. And that’s just what they planned to accomplish.
Community Power
When the head of the community council knocked on Albert’s house to inform him that the municipality was collecting money for his legal representation, Albert was moved and overwhelmed. Donations started to flow in as soon as people learned about what had happened with the driveway.
Saranac Lake soon generated enough money for Albert to rehire his attorney and file a lawsuit against Mr. Johnson for damage to wildlife that is protected. This time, they were going to get him.
Suing Mr. Johnson
Mr Johnson received the papers notifying him of the case a few days later. Albert was prepared for his neighbour’s outburst of rage since he knew just when it would occur. The next three weeks went by fast, with the two men’s tensions growing.
The support from the community had fired Albert’s passion, and he now carried a burning, righteous rage that kept him going while he took care of June and began arranging for her to go into a care facility. Mr. Johnson, meantime, was cursing Albert whenever he had the chance and dealing with the driveway that was sinking. Things were sure to blow up in a matter of time.
In the Courthouse
At last, the day of the legal proceeding arrived. After putting on his best suit, Albert took a car to pick up June. When they got to the courthouse, Mr. Johnson was there and pacing restlessly.
Mr Johnson presented his defense at the beginning of the case, saying that Albert was an elderly, disheveled guy who had lied about the wetlands, urged his young, robust neighbor to build him a road, and became irate when the driveway began to crumble. Even though it was a load of lies, Albert was afraid that a court would notice his white hair and side with Mr Johnson. He could not allow it to occur.
Albert’s Speech
Albert requested permission to speak for himself instead of having a lawyer speak on his behalf. He had to provide his perspective on the matter. He talked about the garden he and June had created together, its unjustified destruction, and June’s following decline in a clear and powerful voice.
Right up until his neighbor dumped cement over his own little piece of heaven, he talked about how much he loved the scenery and how he cared for the protected wetlands. Anyone could see that this was a man speaking the truth.
The Ruling
Albert’s lawyer was correct when he said that the judge decided in the Birches’ favor. As the court announced the verdict, Mr. Johnson buried his face in his hands and demanded that he compensate the Birches and the Adirondacks National Preserve.
The recently installed driveway will be carefully removed and gradually restored to its previous state as a biodiverse ecosystem. Albert felt mixed emotions about the verdict. While he was happy with his victory, June was not able to win him back.
Mr. Johnson’s Remorse
Albert was eating dinner by himself that night. June had moved into the nearby care facility a week prior, and he had been missing her significantly. Even after Albert discovered it was Mr Johnson, he was glad to hear the knock on the door.
Sadly, he said, “Albert.” “I truly apologize. My actions were unacceptable. It wasn’t until today that I gave your story much thought, and it truly touched me. My spouse also passed away. Because of what I did to you two, I despise myself. Sincere, he asked, “Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?” With a kind smile, Albert showed him inside. He could come up with an idea.
A New Garden
Albert and Mr. Johnson conversed far into the night. They had reached an agreement by the end of the talk over how he would begin to put things right. June’s new care facility had a dirt yard instead of a nice garden.
The neighbors decided that a portion of the litigation settlement may be used to develop it for the benefit of the area’s wildlife and residents. Mr. Johnson and Albert both offered their assistance in managing the project. For the first time in months, Albert witnessed June’s gaze brighten during the first session while both residents and volunteers were outside gardening.
Looking to the Future
June and Albert Birch had no idea that Douglas Johnson would upend their life and ruin their cherished garden when he moved in next door. But Albert felt he had to intervene when Mr. Johnson attempted to misrepresent him and blame him for his own poorly executed work.
Albert battled Mr. Johnson to reclaim his belongings and his honor, with the support of his community. We hope that Mr. Johnson is trying to change for the better and has learned his lesson. We have no doubt that June and Albert are enjoying gardening together once more and that the care facility garden is thriving.
