Neighbor Asked My Son to Wash His Car for a Month,
Then Refused to Pay – I Taught Him a Lesson of My Own
I knew something was wrong the moment Ben walked in — no grin, no dropped backpack, just slumped shoulders and eyes on the floor. “He didn’t pay me, Mom,” he muttered, explaining that Mr. Peterson, our neighbor, had refused to pay him for four car washes, calling it a “learning experience.”
I pressed $200 into his hand. “I’ll get it back,” I promised. The next morning, I confronted Peterson. He smirked, claiming the car wasn’t spotless. I reminded him of photos, witnesses, and simple fairness. His smugness melted, and moments later, he handed over the cash.
Back home, Ben laughed for the first time in days. Over burgers, we celebrated, and when he saw a Help Wanted sign at an ice cream shop, he grinned: “Should I apply?” I smiled. “Go for it — and remember, if anyone cheats you…” He finished, smirking: “You’ll come after them.” Damn right.
