{"id":6684,"date":"2026-02-04T08:01:06","date_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/oldagedhumor.com\/?p=6684"},"modified":"2026-02-04T08:01:06","modified_gmt":"2026-02-04T08:01:06","slug":"i-kept-finding-a-toothpick-jammed-in-my-lock-so-i-stopped-playing-nice-and-planned-my-own-revenge","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/oldagedhumor.com\/?p=6684","title":{"rendered":"I Kept Finding a Toothpick Jammed in My Lock \u2014 So I Stopped Playing Nice and Planned My Own Revenge"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">After 14 hours of bedpans, vomit, and a guy who insisted his &#8220;friend&#8221; was the one who &#8220;accidentally&#8221; sat on a remote control, I dragged my scrub-wearing, caffeine-depleted body home. All I wanted was a hot shower, half a frozen pizza, and blessed silence.<\/p>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Instead, I found myself standing in thirty-degree weather, staring at my front door like it had just slapped me&#8230; because my key wouldn&#8217;t go in.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/YqjCrM5Pwj9eULIXvSE_0zAQlQC9V-wdMuuaa_zHh38\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDI2MTcwMmZkMDVhZDcwMTk1OGRjZTRlZWYwZmY4MTU3YWY2ZTc3M2IzZjM4OGIyZjkxNTRjZjVhNTc4YjA3Ny5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/rJP0LykuUAVEPCi2tD8zO8YSGT_5qnM4enPB-ZezJT8\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDI2MTcwMmZkMDVhZDcwMTk1OGRjZTRlZWYwZmY4MTU3YWY2ZTc3M2IzZjM4OGIyZjkxNTRjZjVhNTc4YjA3Ny5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/feejU1pO9zW7k5rXlqnPOAzm-XcqtJtd-TPbAYab9sc\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDI2MTcwMmZkMDVhZDcwMTk1OGRjZTRlZWYwZmY4MTU3YWY2ZTc3M2IzZjM4OGIyZjkxNTRjZjVhNTc4YjA3Ny5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/eqkgXbnDgxL1AAjWRT291m_WlukEFNUSQqvlBX2XKDk\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDI2MTcwMmZkMDVhZDcwMTk1OGRjZTRlZWYwZmY4MTU3YWY2ZTc3M2IzZjM4OGIyZjkxNTRjZjVhNTc4YjA3Ny5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/QKl0UZvycl9u6syc6_HusBC8BbRopy9N3FCtmxSEUw0\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDI2MTcwMmZkMDVhZDcwMTk1OGRjZTRlZWYwZmY4MTU3YWY2ZTc3M2IzZjM4OGIyZjkxNTRjZjVhNTc4YjA3Ny5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/d261702fd05ad701958dce4eef0ff8157af6e773b3f388b2f9154cf5a578b077.jpg\" alt=\"A woman trying to unlock the front door of her house | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A woman trying to unlock the front door of her house | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I tried again. Nothing. Wiggled it. Nope. I turned it upside down because sometimes keys are just moody like that. Still nothing worked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Come on,&#8221; I muttered, jiggling harder. &#8220;I&#8217;ve had patients at the ER less difficult than you today.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">That&#8217;s when I noticed something small wedged deep in the keyhole. I squinted, using my phone flashlight to get a better look.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">There was a toothpick jammed in the lock.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You&#8217;ve got to be kidding me,&#8221; I groaned, poking at it helplessly with my car key. I jiggled, cursed, even tried poking it out with a bobby pin. Nothing worked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/f1q1Fyx5N1_mnTcWztDEC2A_iPy8nvSw1G_FMLApc4g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzU3ZmQ2OTI3MWVhN2IyMGUzN2U5OTE1ZTg4OTg2OTJjYjg4NzBkMzhkZDU5OGE3Y2VlZTQwMmI0MjY0NmUzNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/_IPHWkAM5yMyEDelawfV_y5VL45VT1AScvH81TaQWBo\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzU3ZmQ2OTI3MWVhN2IyMGUzN2U5OTE1ZTg4OTg2OTJjYjg4NzBkMzhkZDU5OGE3Y2VlZTQwMmI0MjY0NmUzNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/aZOdEPvM_SOxd2Yx3Pu3BJ8FdwSJqVGZOe-4fIyvl38\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzU3ZmQ2OTI3MWVhN2IyMGUzN2U5OTE1ZTg4OTg2OTJjYjg4NzBkMzhkZDU5OGE3Y2VlZTQwMmI0MjY0NmUzNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/RHPPmOhtE5gN1dc0csahKI70yapjxwYm5Nx-9mlUwYk\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzU3ZmQ2OTI3MWVhN2IyMGUzN2U5OTE1ZTg4OTg2OTJjYjg4NzBkMzhkZDU5OGE3Y2VlZTQwMmI0MjY0NmUzNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/yAcAYxnKxS0g9Thbp6G9AuzlIobSw2fXu9J-DzV1q8E\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzU3ZmQ2OTI3MWVhN2IyMGUzN2U5OTE1ZTg4OTg2OTJjYjg4NzBkMzhkZDU5OGE3Y2VlZTQwMmI0MjY0NmUzNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/357fd69271ea7b20e37e9915e8898692cb8870d38dd598a7ceee402b42646e35.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up shot of a key in the keyhole of a door | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">Close-up shot of a key in the keyhole of a door | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Fifteen minutes later, I was still standing there with frozen toes and a colorful vocabulary that would make my patients blush.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I gave up and called my brother.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Danny? It&#8217;s me. I&#8217;m locked out.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Again? Did you lose your keys at the hospital? Because last time\u2014&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;No, there&#8217;s a toothpick stuck in my lock.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;What the hell? I&#8217;ll be right over.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/SJSYlVGI9hXf1myojem0635pxFrk7kI3earSLf_1lUA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTI0MzllOTc3NjQyZGQ4MWJiYzFjYzk4MjRkMzk3ZTkxOTA0OTE1YjI1NzY2NzUzMGRkYzA4MDE1YzFkNDdhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/97vyNYunuIKCpIytX2AjK7jeIGYptLw4cazVGq7jeik\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTI0MzllOTc3NjQyZGQ4MWJiYzFjYzk4MjRkMzk3ZTkxOTA0OTE1YjI1NzY2NzUzMGRkYzA4MDE1YzFkNDdhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/xi-4MEefMxjsjg842CtPcXFrOL7eDcKlovz02RFvL6U\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTI0MzllOTc3NjQyZGQ4MWJiYzFjYzk4MjRkMzk3ZTkxOTA0OTE1YjI1NzY2NzUzMGRkYzA4MDE1YzFkNDdhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/tCM6PUHuN4nvbrBqsHjZcIaI4Kn6bfS8ouLcgu_-bdw\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTI0MzllOTc3NjQyZGQ4MWJiYzFjYzk4MjRkMzk3ZTkxOTA0OTE1YjI1NzY2NzUzMGRkYzA4MDE1YzFkNDdhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/9bZQVrG4RJ7R6hxRcP2r-eh4OqKOqjNnChUBT9GGM4s\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOTI0MzllOTc3NjQyZGQ4MWJiYzFjYzk4MjRkMzk3ZTkxOTA0OTE1YjI1NzY2NzUzMGRkYzA4MDE1YzFkNDdhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/92439e977642dd81bbc1cc9824d397e91904915b257667530ddc08015c1d47a0.jpg\" alt=\"A woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A woman talking on the phone | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Ten minutes later, Danny&#8217;s rusted pickup rolled into my driveway. He hopped out wearing sweatpants and a T-shirt that read &#8220;I PAUSED MY GAME TO BE HERE.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Shouldn&#8217;t you be wearing a coat?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Shouldn&#8217;t you be inside your house?&#8221; he countered, brandishing a miniature toolkit like he was about to defuse a bomb.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I watched as he examined the lock, his breath forming little clouds in the cold air.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/OP-E4qPFCtyRrdVKnFfy8OtZEJq9SfdGhVaELHo7D_I\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTAwMTgxNGMzZWQwMjAzZGYyYTIwNjAwOGEzOWYyNDY2MDU5MWE4MDczZGIxNTgxOGIxOTkzMDAzMzNmN2Q4MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTAxOCZoZWlnaHQ9MTUwMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/dkfrffj63rMbm1jLdzbV6kYM42-uzXKWZ3iT3gow1kE\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTAwMTgxNGMzZWQwMjAzZGYyYTIwNjAwOGEzOWYyNDY2MDU5MWE4MDczZGIxNTgxOGIxOTkzMDAzMzNmN2Q4MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTAxOCZoZWlnaHQ9MTUwMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/0WBiUBP_NrUNgwdgsPIpJdkGhCrm47O2D_yu1ej5t5o\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTAwMTgxNGMzZWQwMjAzZGYyYTIwNjAwOGEzOWYyNDY2MDU5MWE4MDczZGIxNTgxOGIxOTkzMDAzMzNmN2Q4MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTAxOCZoZWlnaHQ9MTUwMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/a3EaxU89GCGlFzx7v74t4l4pDoqnYurRsnvwblPmwK4\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTAwMTgxNGMzZWQwMjAzZGYyYTIwNjAwOGEzOWYyNDY2MDU5MWE4MDczZGIxNTgxOGIxOTkzMDAzMzNmN2Q4MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTAxOCZoZWlnaHQ9MTUwMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Je_QyuHSVvqi_E0-WqbzNeWTgkqjylMlGcYdQu5Yhz4\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTAwMTgxNGMzZWQwMjAzZGYyYTIwNjAwOGEzOWYyNDY2MDU5MWE4MDczZGIxNTgxOGIxOTkzMDAzMzNmN2Q4MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTAxOCZoZWlnaHQ9MTUwMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/1001814c3ed0203df2a206008a39f24660591a8073db15818b199300333f7d81.jpg\" alt=\"A man holding a toolkit | Source: Freepik\" width=\"1018\" height=\"1500\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A man holding a toolkit | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Yep! That&#8217;s a toothpick in there,&#8221; he said, fishing a pair of tweezers from his kit. &#8220;And it didn&#8217;t get there by accident.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;What do you mean?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Someone put it there&#8230; on purpose.&#8221; He worked silently for a few minutes, then triumphantly held up a tiny wooden splinter. &#8220;There we go. Try it now.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">The key slid in smoothly and I sighed with relief.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/QruABNK05uGJC6tQ5MBNZp9Xxn83tUVuJmmUzE09hqo\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmNkYjk2ZjRlMzNmZWRmODNiNWExOGFmNDdjMTI4MWY1MThhYWJkZWI2ZGZlZjNiOTQ0N2ViNzkwNDllMWU2MC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/2g1nfm5DaTp0tpN9ris7u_gbTZugb8ZDfFQcMw4oAcE\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmNkYjk2ZjRlMzNmZWRmODNiNWExOGFmNDdjMTI4MWY1MThhYWJkZWI2ZGZlZjNiOTQ0N2ViNzkwNDllMWU2MC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/uGVFY6aDGH5RoMd5NGH3x3bBsOTqcHYqNHNLFs-6bvk\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmNkYjk2ZjRlMzNmZWRmODNiNWExOGFmNDdjMTI4MWY1MThhYWJkZWI2ZGZlZjNiOTQ0N2ViNzkwNDllMWU2MC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/rUkr8ibQ-ZIf9Rd7AZG9cxHBHjoZ-kToJFsca_H5gZ8\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmNkYjk2ZjRlMzNmZWRmODNiNWExOGFmNDdjMTI4MWY1MThhYWJkZWI2ZGZlZjNiOTQ0N2ViNzkwNDllMWU2MC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/5_tNpnZjetdgUOjvOx9eKchLquTzHUe5mbHI1ylnj34\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNmNkYjk2ZjRlMzNmZWRmODNiNWExOGFmNDdjMTI4MWY1MThhYWJkZWI2ZGZlZjNiOTQ0N2ViNzkwNDllMWU2MC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/6cdb96f4e33fedf83b5a18af47c1281f518aabdeb6dfef3b9447eb79049e1e60.jpg\" alt=\"A man opening a door | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A man opening a door | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You think it was just kids?&#8221; I asked hopefully.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Danny shook his head. &#8220;Kids don&#8217;t have this kind of patience. Call me if it happens again, okay?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;It won&#8217;t!&#8221; I said confidently.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Famous last words,&#8221; he called over his shoulder as he headed back to his truck.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">And yup! It happened again. Exactly 24 hours later.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You&#8217;re kidding me,&#8221; Danny said when I FaceTimed him. I could hear the clinking of beer bottles in the background.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/umsS7n7ojHPsoWX99cERq_643JWaIDTr5zZkmKiBgTQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTRkNjUzMjliM2QzMDg2NWY2NTA1MWE3MDBkOTkxOWY0ZjFkMzc1YjgwNjUxZGVjYTRiZWJiMDVjNmU5Njk4YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTcwNw.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/uErg7fCWLlvhDiZYSXoniiLMmbq0xv4ZtTMKi0gI0us\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTRkNjUzMjliM2QzMDg2NWY2NTA1MWE3MDBkOTkxOWY0ZjFkMzc1YjgwNjUxZGVjYTRiZWJiMDVjNmU5Njk4YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTcwNw.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/aeRiUVurIt00Db5IjuYp2VdNfXD54_vr0zEyfh74zXE\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTRkNjUzMjliM2QzMDg2NWY2NTA1MWE3MDBkOTkxOWY0ZjFkMzc1YjgwNjUxZGVjYTRiZWJiMDVjNmU5Njk4YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTcwNw.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/KlpAG2vXQ8zH6ZGLv9_Ck6mNZDJwTugZjJrlLnQjT24\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTRkNjUzMjliM2QzMDg2NWY2NTA1MWE3MDBkOTkxOWY0ZjFkMzc1YjgwNjUxZGVjYTRiZWJiMDVjNmU5Njk4YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTcwNw.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/HgJsks0Ot_hFJPcqr-LGlwY3u8K59-W8hPfBX2gMjkU\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTRkNjUzMjliM2QzMDg2NWY2NTA1MWE3MDBkOTkxOWY0ZjFkMzc1YjgwNjUxZGVjYTRiZWJiMDVjNmU5Njk4YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTcwNw.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/54d65329b3d30865f65051a700d9919f4f1d375b80651deca4bebb05c6e9698a.jpg\" alt=\"A stunned man looking at his phone | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1707\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A stunned man looking at his phone | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Maybe I have a really dedicated enemy at the homeowners&#8217; association? I did put up those Christmas lights in February.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Danny showed up looking mildly insulted at the universe. &#8220;Alright,&#8221; he said, brushing past me, &#8220;now I&#8217;m interested.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;This is targeted. Want to catch them?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;With what? A mousetrap?&#8221; I said, rolling my eyes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Better. I&#8217;ve got a security camera. Used it to catch the raccoons that kept knocking over my garbage cans. I&#8217;ll set it up tomorrow.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/odtcUc6v20zbzt-Z4ZM526pbdeJGYA2GMSDM8aTCZLU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDJjOTAwODc1OTkzMzNjN2Y3MGM2M2EyN2Q1YTlhZjAxZGM1YzdhMWNlZWE5NWNlODcwN2NjODVjMzRmMTc2Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQxMg.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/wRrEuWD3Dz0nwJIq43SGSFCCEcLcKsE-WVTo5iv8iNY\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDJjOTAwODc1OTkzMzNjN2Y3MGM2M2EyN2Q1YTlhZjAxZGM1YzdhMWNlZWE5NWNlODcwN2NjODVjMzRmMTc2Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQxMg.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/vJX-X3VDthuSvlkmaNGD45AjD-5FoEd5MRZLc4Cvidk\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDJjOTAwODc1OTkzMzNjN2Y3MGM2M2EyN2Q1YTlhZjAxZGM1YzdhMWNlZWE5NWNlODcwN2NjODVjMzRmMTc2Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQxMg.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/eTmJRbjXM2IPiSI3gVTZ6N2ZsLr7KYxGqQRIf5tj9yQ\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDJjOTAwODc1OTkzMzNjN2Y3MGM2M2EyN2Q1YTlhZjAxZGM1YzdhMWNlZWE5NWNlODcwN2NjODVjMzRmMTc2Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQxMg.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/3YQK2kDyktwlSZtd1I_b38a5SFAyQHKwX_gV1boZSG0\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNDJjOTAwODc1OTkzMzNjN2Y3MGM2M2EyN2Q1YTlhZjAxZGM1YzdhMWNlZWE5NWNlODcwN2NjODVjMzRmMTc2Mi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MzQxMg.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 84.40797186400938vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/42c90087599333c7f70c63a27d5a9af01dc5c7a1ceea95ce8707cc85c34f1762.jpg\" alt=\"A security camera mounted on the wall | Source: Unsplash\" width=\"1920\" height=\"3412\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A security camera mounted on the wall | Source: Unsplash<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">The next morning, Danny arrived with a camera that looked like it had survived several wars and a fall from a cliff.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;This thing still works?&#8221; I asked dubiously.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Of course it works. It&#8217;s built like a Nokia phone.&#8221; He climbed the maple tree in my front yard with surprising agility for someone whose exercise regimen consisted mainly of walking to the fridge.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Perfect angle. It&#8217;ll catch anyone coming up to your door, and you&#8217;ll get the footage straight to your phone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/B7sOIrGSyGam20bB_ouOEbxhOKDPIqDAbSGiAR_2BB8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTZhZjhkMzM2ZmM2NjQ1NGRjOWM4NDhmYWNkMWRkMTgwNGVmOThjZWNjYjQ5NGY3ZWM1ODVlZTUzMDExNDJhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/DTHIOxWVIFTwibGjb-vvPYgkDa0irL7oQJUHoKgiHC4\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTZhZjhkMzM2ZmM2NjQ1NGRjOWM4NDhmYWNkMWRkMTgwNGVmOThjZWNjYjQ5NGY3ZWM1ODVlZTUzMDExNDJhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/CM-7V3s62ZP_3OVF59VjVuc-UNP3p4mcBF-zIXCAhmw\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTZhZjhkMzM2ZmM2NjQ1NGRjOWM4NDhmYWNkMWRkMTgwNGVmOThjZWNjYjQ5NGY3ZWM1ODVlZTUzMDExNDJhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/UPauipgZHhfAvrT_dsPvX0rNbl4cKNJPslbu_DnWm4I\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTZhZjhkMzM2ZmM2NjQ1NGRjOWM4NDhmYWNkMWRkMTgwNGVmOThjZWNjYjQ5NGY3ZWM1ODVlZTUzMDExNDJhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/o3X8KTnn5GT3V8wF3CDYzNAUFhppRUl-4E0sOcIbrlQ\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTZhZjhkMzM2ZmM2NjQ1NGRjOWM4NDhmYWNkMWRkMTgwNGVmOThjZWNjYjQ5NGY3ZWM1ODVlZTUzMDExNDJhMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/16af8d336fc66454dc9c848facd1dd1804ef98ceccb494f7ec585ee5301142a0.jpg\" alt=\"A camera mounted on a tree trunk | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A camera mounted on a tree trunk | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">That evening, I sat in my car, hunched over my phone like a teenager waiting for a text back from their crush. At 7:14 p.m., my phone buzzed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">One new video popped up, and my stomach did a somersault when I watched the footage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;JOSH??&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Yup! My ex-boyfriend. The one I&#8217;d caught sending late-night texts to his &#8220;work friend&#8221; Amber while I was pulling double shifts at the hospital. The one who&#8217;d been &#8220;working late&#8221; at the office when his credit card was busy buying dinner for two at restaurants I&#8217;d been begging him to take me to for months.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/amBmzhtt9g6xQd5iWcbQNohm_8LBq_-QBjsuODL-r1s\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDE0ZWMzNjNiZTFjODI2YmYwZTQ2YzQ4YjliOGNhN2NlNWVjZGUyNTBkOWY3MTU3MTdjZWU4OWI5OTdiYzlkZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Uy0XANkZ3lamGUeTO0TE5bHOII6SCGV7H13aVFCur7s\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDE0ZWMzNjNiZTFjODI2YmYwZTQ2YzQ4YjliOGNhN2NlNWVjZGUyNTBkOWY3MTU3MTdjZWU4OWI5OTdiYzlkZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/D6QkzKZT-pG20f-ggI4Pe9uF9zcJ_4v7I6isJUs86F8\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDE0ZWMzNjNiZTFjODI2YmYwZTQ2YzQ4YjliOGNhN2NlNWVjZGUyNTBkOWY3MTU3MTdjZWU4OWI5OTdiYzlkZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/y3FxW6SUYZv0DqSjbjpwFlqHuLL-kNFJCnq3NPGFMzs\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDE0ZWMzNjNiZTFjODI2YmYwZTQ2YzQ4YjliOGNhN2NlNWVjZGUyNTBkOWY3MTU3MTdjZWU4OWI5OTdiYzlkZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/bhptCUsa0C0cg_YLT2Y6g26C0qH-G-9SV2ccbWM9W7o\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDE0ZWMzNjNiZTFjODI2YmYwZTQ2YzQ4YjliOGNhN2NlNWVjZGUyNTBkOWY3MTU3MTdjZWU4OWI5OTdiYzlkZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/d14ec363be1c826bf0e46c48b9b8ca7ce5ecde250d9f715717cee89b997bc9dd.jpg\" alt=\"A man walking on the street | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A man walking on the street | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I watched the video three times, not believing my eyes. There he was, in his stupid puffy jacket, carefully inserting a toothpick into my lock with the precision of someone performing microsurgery.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;What the hell?&#8221; I gasped.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I&#8217;d broken up with him six months ago. No screaming, no dramatic scene&#8230; just a quiet conversation where I laid out the evidence and walked away. I thought we&#8217;d parted civilly. Apparently not.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I was fuming. But I didn&#8217;t call the cops. I called Connor.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/JlQ1VcgzPOalGBUOeTvslFRNMsUvgxUYvNELoE0UrR4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDljMTY5ZDY2MTZjN2RiYmUzZTJiMWUwYTgyYjVmOGNiNDQ2Yzk0Zjk0NTc5NmQ5YTEwMjljZGQ0YTQyZjc5ZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Fnyo0jFI0LifuIl5ASs8Q2Q9XPVsHnlmx9szJfuJlrA\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDljMTY5ZDY2MTZjN2RiYmUzZTJiMWUwYTgyYjVmOGNiNDQ2Yzk0Zjk0NTc5NmQ5YTEwMjljZGQ0YTQyZjc5ZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/7E_M3FYWdM6pVSvu63tL9aJMtbEkArvXvDRDLOLX6Tg\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDljMTY5ZDY2MTZjN2RiYmUzZTJiMWUwYTgyYjVmOGNiNDQ2Yzk0Zjk0NTc5NmQ5YTEwMjljZGQ0YTQyZjc5ZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Y5NblQs3e7w4UFBgtxALj-UFJyr-l2Ipg7O8dcfgeAk\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDljMTY5ZDY2MTZjN2RiYmUzZTJiMWUwYTgyYjVmOGNiNDQ2Yzk0Zjk0NTc5NmQ5YTEwMjljZGQ0YTQyZjc5ZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/hCp2q2KHfaRx5N4khJygTCDoWR4G7Wrdvxxga8S8T-M\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDljMTY5ZDY2MTZjN2RiYmUzZTJiMWUwYTgyYjVmOGNiNDQ2Yzk0Zjk0NTc5NmQ5YTEwMjljZGQ0YTQyZjc5ZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/09c169d6616c7dbbe3e2b1e0a82b5f8cb446c94f945796d9a1029cdd4a42f79d.jpg\" alt=\"A woman on a phonecall | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A woman on a phonecall | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;He did what?&#8221; he barked.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Connor is six-foot-four with tattoos and bad decisions that somehow always work out. He runs a custom auto shop with my brother, rides a motorcycle that sounds like a dragon with indigestion, and looks like he could bench-press a small car.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">We dated for about three weeks five years ago before mutually deciding we made better friends than lovers&#8230; though the &#8220;friend&#8221; label occasionally blurred after particularly lonely holidays or wedding receptions.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/gKooAyB05kqRDU48BYMFTpXASyLQ0iXO0iMaQiYNG5o\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMxZTA3YTkzNWE4MzMwNWFiNWQ2M2ZkOTJkMzBmYjMyNmIxMTI5NWRjOTk4M2QwNzY5NTAzYjNlNDkxZDZmZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/GxcYhlN7qduvUrRGm7Q_UyoTIYtENOPoZBZuNwmt5fc\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMxZTA3YTkzNWE4MzMwNWFiNWQ2M2ZkOTJkMzBmYjMyNmIxMTI5NWRjOTk4M2QwNzY5NTAzYjNlNDkxZDZmZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/pvwzlrxkKM3meQr-i4Zy7cbK0UCGtrIYKZWLqMbsC9Y\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMxZTA3YTkzNWE4MzMwNWFiNWQ2M2ZkOTJkMzBmYjMyNmIxMTI5NWRjOTk4M2QwNzY5NTAzYjNlNDkxZDZmZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Q0b9kVJbe4LHrk7GACPBQrbyZLrY4l3fG8DDIRf6_Ho\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMxZTA3YTkzNWE4MzMwNWFiNWQ2M2ZkOTJkMzBmYjMyNmIxMTI5NWRjOTk4M2QwNzY5NTAzYjNlNDkxZDZmZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/0fWMuYaSqfGvK7qzdwAoeR7aPhe6tu2qvdoiUxdz1HY\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMxZTA3YTkzNWE4MzMwNWFiNWQ2M2ZkOTJkMzBmYjMyNmIxMTI5NWRjOTk4M2QwNzY5NTAzYjNlNDkxZDZmZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MjA0OA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 93.75vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/331e07a935a83305ab5d63fd92d30fb326b11295dc9983d0769503b3e491d6fd.jpg\" alt=\"A man with a tattoo on his arm | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"2048\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A man with a tattoo on his arm | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;He put a toothpick in my lock. Twice,&#8221; I repeated, still staring at the paused video of Josh&#8217;s face, illuminated by my porch light.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;That&#8217;s&#8230; creative. Want me to talk to him?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;By &#8216;talk,&#8217; do you mean threaten him with bodily harm? Because I&#8217;m not bailing you out of jail again.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;That was one time, Reggie. And I didn&#8217;t actually hit anyone.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/03L5oqpFuSEOUbdREKRIIdiTpQXLhugDH5YPwOsKfQ8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWY5OGIyMjAwNWE4Yzg0ZjQ3N2JlZTRiZjA5Njk3ZDUzN2RiOTE5OTZmM2VkNmMzZDAyZGJhZTFlYThjMjlmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/_R9-MVJre2rOeFEtogzAgaqmybbm7meqjyb3OxPahfo\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWY5OGIyMjAwNWE4Yzg0ZjQ3N2JlZTRiZjA5Njk3ZDUzN2RiOTE5OTZmM2VkNmMzZDAyZGJhZTFlYThjMjlmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/7N1AXboftazqVF_5EB4ujfW2F6pRCe_RI239l7fTNN0\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWY5OGIyMjAwNWE4Yzg0ZjQ3N2JlZTRiZjA5Njk3ZDUzN2RiOTE5OTZmM2VkNmMzZDAyZGJhZTFlYThjMjlmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/lVxwstoHAeFlmZGP-00rFx-H3VqhlfzdwkSx0w9UEa4\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWY5OGIyMjAwNWE4Yzg0ZjQ3N2JlZTRiZjA5Njk3ZDUzN2RiOTE5OTZmM2VkNmMzZDAyZGJhZTFlYThjMjlmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/eYTfo5HpwfWza318QuZDAXVnozxkqliljTnAlWjbATE\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWY5OGIyMjAwNWE4Yzg0ZjQ3N2JlZTRiZjA5Njk3ZDUzN2RiOTE5OTZmM2VkNmMzZDAyZGJhZTFlYThjMjlmOS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/1f98b22005a8c84f477bee4bf09697d537db91996f3ed6c3d02dbae1ea8c29f9.jpg\" alt=\"A prisoner holding metal railings in a jail | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A prisoner holding metal railings in a jail | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You threw a man&#8217;s toupee into a fountain.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;It attacked me first. But no, I&#8217;ve got a different idea. Does Josh still drive by your place sometimes?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Probably. He lives three streets over.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Perfect. Here&#8217;s what we&#8217;re going to do&#8230;&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">***<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">The next evening, I made a show of leaving my house at 6:45 p.m. I even called someone loudly on my phone as I walked to my car: &#8220;Yeah, I&#8217;ll be there in twenty minutes! Save me a seat!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/fhLLYi0w2gPwmDWbwDAcDU5h34Fy-XHtbPUzMlYQt28\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDc0MTQxNmY2NjE2MzZjYmFjOTNiZTdmNTdhMzczMjJjNTU0M2RiNTQ3YjhhOWQ4OWVlMGEzMzIwMDIwYTBhNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkzOQ.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/JnZMU60xNbb8et2H82UA7gTZ3IcK_76aDRTEW-S5p5s\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDc0MTQxNmY2NjE2MzZjYmFjOTNiZTdmNTdhMzczMjJjNTU0M2RiNTQ3YjhhOWQ4OWVlMGEzMzIwMDIwYTBhNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkzOQ.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/M9yEDVQ31pT_OHOEoFAtwWgcXJILIZ3i8anTQeSm2wY\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDc0MTQxNmY2NjE2MzZjYmFjOTNiZTdmNTdhMzczMjJjNTU0M2RiNTQ3YjhhOWQ4OWVlMGEzMzIwMDIwYTBhNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkzOQ.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/rgXsW-vglUYCOSMUN72d1s2Y3fvCTAAlKKEF0N6BueY\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDc0MTQxNmY2NjE2MzZjYmFjOTNiZTdmNTdhMzczMjJjNTU0M2RiNTQ3YjhhOWQ4OWVlMGEzMzIwMDIwYTBhNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkzOQ.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/R_oOSR04mb52JuDq3xpm0E9MJcVPwsZSW-dix3iNazE\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDc0MTQxNmY2NjE2MzZjYmFjOTNiZTdmNTdhMzczMjJjNTU0M2RiNTQ3YjhhOWQ4OWVlMGEzMzIwMDIwYTBhNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkzOQ.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 99.02011346054668vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/d741416f661636cbac93be7f57a37322c5543db547b8a9d89ee0a3320020a0a5.jpg\" alt=\"A woman walking on the street | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1939\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A woman walking on the street | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Then I parked around the corner, sneaked back through my neighbor&#8217;s yard, and entered through my back door. Connor was already inside, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Wait&#8230; Is that my bathrobe?&#8221; I asked, eyeing the pink monstrosity that barely covered his chest, let alone anything else.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Yep. And I&#8217;m not wearing much underneath, so let&#8217;s hope this works.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You&#8217;re enjoying this way too much, Connor!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You bet I am. Now\u00a0<i class=\"postComponents_italic__3sya1\">shh<\/i>&#8230; your creepy ex should be here any minute.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/9lHL209YG2RpRJBp1Nb5asa5S21ohnXm0c5fcJr0NN8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWUwN2U5MWY2NWVhOTJmMWU0M2ZlNTc0M2E5N2YxN2YwYTk4ZWJlNWZkZDA4NDBmNGUyNjQxYjRkMTIwYmE2YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkxOQ.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/k4w7z4FWzZatqSEKYFUCNIs4h_RNhyJEODSgzOaAq5A\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWUwN2U5MWY2NWVhOTJmMWU0M2ZlNTc0M2E5N2YxN2YwYTk4ZWJlNWZkZDA4NDBmNGUyNjQxYjRkMTIwYmE2YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkxOQ.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/R01hw63V5Izp4tl2Jtw-QOQablOQW6Yxm81iGhw8sQY\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWUwN2U5MWY2NWVhOTJmMWU0M2ZlNTc0M2E5N2YxN2YwYTk4ZWJlNWZkZDA4NDBmNGUyNjQxYjRkMTIwYmE2YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkxOQ.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/0M9_IsEs7wz9d6ifmaXNy7uX6Shmhj6f-clM7wO4m64\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWUwN2U5MWY2NWVhOTJmMWU0M2ZlNTc0M2E5N2YxN2YwYTk4ZWJlNWZkZDA4NDBmNGUyNjQxYjRkMTIwYmE2YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkxOQ.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/NMSrtLM-7UJ567VsSRA-wJdcVurUoheq7xJ39FnGh_k\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vOWUwN2U5MWY2NWVhOTJmMWU0M2ZlNTc0M2E5N2YxN2YwYTk4ZWJlNWZkZDA4NDBmNGUyNjQxYjRkMTIwYmE2YS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkxOQ.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/9e07e91f65ea92f1e43fe5743a97f17f0a98ebe5fdd0840f4e2641b4d120ba6a.jpg\" alt=\"A man wearing a pink bathrobe | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1919\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A man wearing a pink bathrobe | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">At precisely 7:11 p.m., my phone buzzed. I pulled up the camera feed to see Josh tiptoeing up my front walk, toothpick in hand like a tiny wooden dagger.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Connor grabbed a wrench from his toolbox and positioned himself by the door.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Wait for it,&#8221; he whispered.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Josh reached for the lock, toothpick poised&#8230; and Connor flung the door open.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I peered through the crack in the curtains, watching as Josh&#8217;s face transformed from focused concentration to absolute horror.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You must be the toothpick fairy!&#8221; Connor said, stepping onto the porch. The bathrobe gaped open, revealing far more tattooed torso than a PG-13 movie would allow. &#8220;Got a message for you from the lady of the house, pal.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/6tHvkoDGz119IsgbTJ-xy8GgcoESldN28RwjiwSkZOg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGY5NGJjZTQzZmFjMzk3NjZkYzc4NWNmZjdkYzE4OTRmNjQ4ZjBiMjA2YTM4YWFjNmMxZTgyNGUwYzAzMzVmNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTUwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAwMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/vqDJJUAeINZirvz4M62qiIMRgEjnWpXgyVFiJxvy__8\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGY5NGJjZTQzZmFjMzk3NjZkYzc4NWNmZjdkYzE4OTRmNjQ4ZjBiMjA2YTM4YWFjNmMxZTgyNGUwYzAzMzVmNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTUwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAwMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/kLeC5vdMHuaHwkQdFj4jLdwYV06aWXJNgbz_sKhiBY8\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGY5NGJjZTQzZmFjMzk3NjZkYzc4NWNmZjdkYzE4OTRmNjQ4ZjBiMjA2YTM4YWFjNmMxZTgyNGUwYzAzMzVmNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTUwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAwMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/kuMHLR-pyG_n0PwcGTgSVOUmsHMmGVJVussZHj2uGFM\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGY5NGJjZTQzZmFjMzk3NjZkYzc4NWNmZjdkYzE4OTRmNjQ4ZjBiMjA2YTM4YWFjNmMxZTgyNGUwYzAzMzVmNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTUwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAwMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/pdNrgQnV7HaDKu3p6mjDJR8iVzW09RHz5glxqWmnzD8\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGY5NGJjZTQzZmFjMzk3NjZkYzc4NWNmZjdkYzE4OTRmNjQ4ZjBiMjA2YTM4YWFjNmMxZTgyNGUwYzAzMzVmNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTUwMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTAwMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/df94bce43fac39766dc785cff7dc1894f648f0b206a38aac6c1e824e0c0335f5.jpg\" alt=\"A startled man | Source: Freepik\" width=\"1500\" height=\"1000\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A startled man | Source: Freepik<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Josh&#8217;s mouth opened and closed like a fish out of water. Then he turned and ran&#8230; full sprint down the driveway, arms pumping like he was qualifying for the Olympics.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">I burst out the door behind Connor. &#8220;JOSH! STOP!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Miracle of miracles, he actually did. He turned around, pale as a ghost, hands raised like I was pointing a gun instead of just my finger.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;WHY? Why mess with my lock?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;I just&#8230; I thought maybe you&#8217;d call me for help. If you couldn&#8217;t get in, you&#8217;d need someone, and I&#8217;d be right there. Then maybe we could talk and\u2014&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;So you sabotaged my lock&#8230; to play hero?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/5ClepTZicBm1aCu0cLmYq6u_wOIB657OzMSPfmsVSXk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGQwNzJiMDdkODNkMTY4ZmVkNTliMDdhMTVhYWMxNDRiOTA1ZWFmYzJhMmFiYTFhMmJlYjA1NjNmYzlkN2U1NS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/diaFkjoo_A1ow_iwXNqyNnz3cBWTQAPTXKjlZGtG4RQ\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGQwNzJiMDdkODNkMTY4ZmVkNTliMDdhMTVhYWMxNDRiOTA1ZWFmYzJhMmFiYTFhMmJlYjA1NjNmYzlkN2U1NS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/fDtZWGYOg7UeGL4LTXpzV68WmqLdrTK4VuoIPhrKCCY\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGQwNzJiMDdkODNkMTY4ZmVkNTliMDdhMTVhYWMxNDRiOTA1ZWFmYzJhMmFiYTFhMmJlYjA1NjNmYzlkN2U1NS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/lEzzVh5UTTJs7PIWGuixk6BRlLQgZuj3efezAuv3wqE\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGQwNzJiMDdkODNkMTY4ZmVkNTliMDdhMTVhYWMxNDRiOTA1ZWFmYzJhMmFiYTFhMmJlYjA1NjNmYzlkN2U1NS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/LVf3Y7CYKpt928FgHZGoOjKdyA6nSsxYqpNEkS06ig0\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGQwNzJiMDdkODNkMTY4ZmVkNTliMDdhMTVhYWMxNDRiOTA1ZWFmYzJhMmFiYTFhMmJlYjA1NjNmYzlkN2U1NS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/dd072b07d83d168fed59b07a15aac144b905eafc2a2aba1a2beb0563fc9d7e55.jpg\" alt=\"An angry woman | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">An angry woman | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;It sounds dumb when you say it like that, Reggie.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;That&#8217;s because IT IS dumb!&#8221; Connor interjected.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Josh looked like someone had deflated him. &#8220;I messed up, okay? I thought if I could just help you again&#8230; you&#8217;d remember the good times.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;The good times?&#8221; I laughed. &#8220;You mean before or after you were taking Amber to Vincenzo&#8217;s while telling me you were seeing a therapist?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;It was a mistake. I&#8217;ve been trying to tell you that for months.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/A1wX5qb6JGb13e59jtkeBY06W2ErGh1vLUKtmqkKmKg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTE5MWU4ZDk2NWExOWY4ZmUxNzEyNTMxZjMwMGZkMWExNWRiZTgwMmZkMmQ5NzM1YmU0MzkxNmQ2Njg5MjY4Ni5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/zvuaEQFip3P9EkwfQ6HsRRURg1f6I9g4WRuI22hVl6Q\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTE5MWU4ZDk2NWExOWY4ZmUxNzEyNTMxZjMwMGZkMWExNWRiZTgwMmZkMmQ5NzM1YmU0MzkxNmQ2Njg5MjY4Ni5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/01n6i3XvbJoi-Yi8v0Z9KWxhoqxdYFs6REmshZP_fK4\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTE5MWU4ZDk2NWExOWY4ZmUxNzEyNTMxZjMwMGZkMWExNWRiZTgwMmZkMmQ5NzM1YmU0MzkxNmQ2Njg5MjY4Ni5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/dmWY5qn5ntXfhEwpNu4A_vC1vXetwpLZ1eC_Gy6Nwz8\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTE5MWU4ZDk2NWExOWY4ZmUxNzEyNTMxZjMwMGZkMWExNWRiZTgwMmZkMmQ5NzM1YmU0MzkxNmQ2Njg5MjY4Ni5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/iJXyUtHPSbwMEv7yJs8kxUM1jCBO56EeLTj03pr6eYA\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNTE5MWU4ZDk2NWExOWY4ZmUxNzEyNTMxZjMwMGZkMWExNWRiZTgwMmZkMmQ5NzM1YmU0MzkxNmQ2Njg5MjY4Ni5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/5191e8d965a19f8fe1712531f300fd1a15dbe802fd2d9735be43916d66892686.jpg\" alt=\"A sad man | Source: Pixabay\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A sad man | Source: Pixabay<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Yeah, well,&#8221; Connor said, flexing unnecessarily, &#8220;mission failed, buddy. Leave before I call the cops.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Josh turned and slunk off into the night, his shoulders hunched like a scolded child.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Connor closed the door behind us, grinning. &#8220;That was fun.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">But I wasn&#8217;t done.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;What are you doing?&#8221; Connor asked the next morning, peering over my shoulder at my phone.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Creating a TikTok account,&#8221; I said, uploading the video footage.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Savage! I didn&#8217;t know you had it in you, Reggie.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;There&#8217;s a lot you don&#8217;t know about me,&#8221; I replied, typing out a caption:\u00a0<i class=\"postComponents_italic__3sya1\"><strong class=\"postComponents_bold__fagP2\">&#8220;My ex keeps jamming my door lock with toothpicks. Here&#8217;s what happened when we introduced him to my new man.\u00a0<\/strong><\/i><strong class=\"postComponents_bold__fagP2\">\ud83e\udd23\ud83d\ude08<\/strong><i class=\"postComponents_italic__3sya1\"><strong class=\"postComponents_bold__fagP2\">&#8220;<\/strong><\/i><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/zrS5TWg7_FXZmjZI2azKv_QugMPA_U0LDGmGQGDC2M8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMwYzZlZWE4ZTc5OGUwYzRmYzVkNDk3ZTgwYWJmOTEzNGI2YzUwZTgyYzIxYTlkZDFlYTU2YjhiMGY1MmVkOC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/wUu-ecW_0ucyOzOrEX6eRTHMP-97SzVvLZjAtG99ueU\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMwYzZlZWE4ZTc5OGUwYzRmYzVkNDk3ZTgwYWJmOTEzNGI2YzUwZTgyYzIxYTlkZDFlYTU2YjhiMGY1MmVkOC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/NrKyzODm2k3BjQbJkUFOd-lc1wZjL0AdIgtjzVqp4ds\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMwYzZlZWE4ZTc5OGUwYzRmYzVkNDk3ZTgwYWJmOTEzNGI2YzUwZTgyYzIxYTlkZDFlYTU2YjhiMGY1MmVkOC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/6wltDBd6sWeZ3gr9q8u-wA2G4gGKxW-GVXHy3HraNGk\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMwYzZlZWE4ZTc5OGUwYzRmYzVkNDk3ZTgwYWJmOTEzNGI2YzUwZTgyYzIxYTlkZDFlYTU2YjhiMGY1MmVkOC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/Z03GA_dMQm1V3l50CZgprNBgWIWNPUqZ4Swlt9MxgxI\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzMwYzZlZWE4ZTc5OGUwYzRmYzVkNDk3ZTgwYWJmOTEzNGI2YzUwZTgyYzIxYTlkZDFlYTU2YjhiMGY1MmVkOC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/330c6eea8e798e0c4fc5d497e80abf9134b6c50e82c21a9dd1ea56b8b0f52ed8.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holding her phone | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A woman holding her phone | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;New man, huh?&#8221; Connor raised an eyebrow.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;Artistic license,&#8221; I said, hitting post. &#8220;For dramatic effect.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Two days later, the video had 2.1 million views and counting. Josh sent me a rambling email about privacy and how I&#8217;d ruined his life. I didn&#8217;t respond.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Instead, I forwarded the video to his boss\u2014who happened to be Amber&#8217;s father. Turns out Amber didn&#8217;t know about me either. The plot thickened, then quickly thinned again when Josh was suddenly &#8220;pursuing other opportunities&#8221; according to the company website.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/OOP3z0SATtWnmtEM02ZXvgnibVpuMSMLH8MEIVQaNBA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjY3OTIxOWZlODYwNDgyNzc4N2E0NzA3YTk4NmZkN2RmNWIyODA4NmE3ZWM2YWE5OTJiMDAzYTZhNmUxMWQ2MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/uhpUD0UfGtsL501_MhnzvlFYJbt-A4vzyxMq66jElJs\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjY3OTIxOWZlODYwNDgyNzc4N2E0NzA3YTk4NmZkN2RmNWIyODA4NmE3ZWM2YWE5OTJiMDAzYTZhNmUxMWQ2MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/V84_SyCvtlrZu1mcWwbhNp-HIaQhgqdzg9StypkxNyo\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjY3OTIxOWZlODYwNDgyNzc4N2E0NzA3YTk4NmZkN2RmNWIyODA4NmE3ZWM2YWE5OTJiMDAzYTZhNmUxMWQ2MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/9PgUDEwUglTe2a9blmmVmboEvjWoS_lokZ3vhjpUibM\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjY3OTIxOWZlODYwNDgyNzc4N2E0NzA3YTk4NmZkN2RmNWIyODA4NmE3ZWM2YWE5OTJiMDAzYTZhNmUxMWQ2MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/DKrkSRvDNbo7EqepK1SS8eyx2xgi9ykDvdOQmrCyYPY\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjY3OTIxOWZlODYwNDgyNzc4N2E0NzA3YTk4NmZkN2RmNWIyODA4NmE3ZWM2YWE5OTJiMDAzYTZhNmUxMWQ2MS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 830px, 830px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/f679219fe8604827787a4707a986fd7df5b28086a7ec6aa992b003a6a6e11d61.jpg\" alt=\"A shaken man looking at his phone | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1280\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A shaken man looking at his phone | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Two weeks later, Danny helped me change my locks&#8230; not because I needed to, but because it felt symbolic like closing a chapter.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You know,&#8221; he said, tightening the final screw, &#8220;you could have just called the police.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;And miss all this?&#8221; I gestured vaguely at the chaos of the past week. &#8220;Where&#8217;s the fun in that?&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">***<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">That afternoon, Connor brought over pizza and coke to celebrate what he called &#8220;The Great Toothpick Revenge.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;To small victories,&#8221; he said, clinking his can against mine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;And to idiots who think tampering with locks is a good flirting strategy!&#8221; I added.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g Image_wrapper-vertical__PwZAR\">\n<div class=\"Image_container__oHMMQ\">\n<div class=\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"><picture><source srcset=\"https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/YXeQLmgRmbaoiDFdKe7te6nRYoruqkIkAdwWhY7QbL8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmI1YzExOWY4ZjAwNGY0YWYyYWQ2Yjg4MGYyZDM2ODZhYWExZTU4NDQ2NTgwZTk2MDBkMDcxNjhmNWJmMTVhZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 375w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/4X2zIJ05dWH6RKLmQnE88g80yDVq9xDqF_-Kyynd02c\/rs:fill:576:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmI1YzExOWY4ZjAwNGY0YWYyYWQ2Yjg4MGYyZDM2ODZhYWExZTU4NDQ2NTgwZTk2MDBkMDcxNjhmNWJmMTVhZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 576w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/cdQ_4bLyJVwMCJYsQIQIWJ03f4cgy6whziSfQduOfYk\/rs:fill:768:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmI1YzExOWY4ZjAwNGY0YWYyYWQ2Yjg4MGYyZDM2ODZhYWExZTU4NDQ2NTgwZTk2MDBkMDcxNjhmNWJmMTVhZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 768w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/2gBq4-tEaYhrzGQ9O8yj1h-mvUf3J1G91zAnuyq-zxA\/rs:fill:992:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmI1YzExOWY4ZjAwNGY0YWYyYWQ2Yjg4MGYyZDM2ODZhYWExZTU4NDQ2NTgwZTk2MDBkMDcxNjhmNWJmMTVhZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 992w,https:\/\/imgproxy.thecelebritist.com\/f9f1vOEf-vq6SteY-X3F5NMgjpklmu_kHlcyN30XvcE\/rs:fill:1200:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZmI1YzExOWY4ZjAwNGY0YWYyYWQ2Yjg4MGYyZDM2ODZhYWExZTU4NDQ2NTgwZTk2MDBkMDcxNjhmNWJmMTVhZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTI4MCZoZWlnaHQ9MTkyMA.jpg 1200w\" type=\"image\/jpeg\" sizes=\"(max-width: 835px) 100vw, (max-width: 1279px) 581px, 581px\" \/><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"Image_image__11E9V Image_post-image__qnTn0\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.thecelebritist.com\/fb5c119f8f004f4af2ad6b880f2d3686aaa1e58446580e9600d07168f5bf15ae.jpg\" alt=\"A woman laughing | Source: Pexels\" width=\"1280\" height=\"1920\" \/><\/picture><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p class=\"Image_title__T6_we\" data-testid=\"image-source\">A woman laughing | Source: Pexels<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"adv\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;You know,&#8221; Connor said, leaning back on my couch, &#8220;I&#8217;m still waiting for my cut of the TikTok fame.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">&#8220;How about I don&#8217;t tell anyone you wore my bathrobe? That&#8217;s payment enough.&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">He grinned. &#8220;Deal!&#8221;<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">My phone buzzed with another notification. The video had just hit three million views.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<p class=\"postComponents_paragraph__0OLfg\">Turns out revenge doesn&#8217;t always need a sledgehammer&#8230; sometimes a toothpick and a viral post work just fine.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>After 14 hours of bedpans, vomit, and a guy who insisted his &#8220;friend&#8221; was the one who &#8220;accidentally&#8221; sat on a remote control, I dragged my scrub-wearing, caffeine-depleted body home. All I wanted was a hot shower, half a frozen pizza, and blessed silence. Instead, I found myself standing in thirty-degree weather, staring at my front door like it had just slapped me&#8230; because my key wouldn&#8217;t go in. A woman trying to unlock the front door of her house | Source: Pexels I tried again. Nothing. Wiggled it. Nope.&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6685,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-6684","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-entertainment"],"gutentor_comment":0,"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.1 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>I Kept Finding a Toothpick Jammed in My Lock \u2014 So I Stopped Playing Nice and Planned My Own Revenge - Old Aged Humor<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/oldagedhumor.com\/?p=6684\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"I Kept Finding a Toothpick Jammed in My Lock \u2014 So I Stopped Playing Nice and Planned My Own Revenge - Old Aged Humor\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"After 14 hours of bedpans, vomit, and a guy who insisted his &#8220;friend&#8221; was the one who &#8220;accidentally&#8221; sat on a remote control, I dragged my scrub-wearing, caffeine-depleted body home. All I wanted was a hot shower, half a frozen pizza, and blessed silence. Instead, I found myself standing in thirty-degree weather, staring at my front door like it had just slapped me&#8230; because my key wouldn&#8217;t go in. A woman trying to unlock the front door of her house | Source: Pexels I tried again. Nothing. Wiggled it. 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