What she didn’t know was that I had security cameras installed. The footage — along with her mocking text messages — gave my lawyer everything we needed. In court, Carla faced trespassing and theft charges, a civil judgment for damages, and a restraining order.

Two months later, she moved out of my dad’s house. He finally saw her for who she was.Now, the lake house is more secure than ever — still my sanctuary, still the place where my mother’s spirit feels closest. And thanks to a mix of karma and justice, it will stay that way.