Mrs. Smith sighed heavily. “It’s pointless to lie; you caught me red-handed. Two months ago, my children said they would no longer support me and offered to take me to a nursing home. I refused and was left with nothing,” she confessed.

“Why didn’t you confess this at the meeting? We almost killed each other back then,” Camilla said.

“Because I was ashamed. Please don’t tell anyone. I’ll stop stealing, I’ll figure something out,” Mrs. Smith begged.

“I can’t promise you that,” Camilla said, and entered her apartment, hearing Mrs. Smith sobbing. Camilla texted all the neighbors except Mrs. Smith and told them everything.

A few hours later, they all stood together outside Mrs. Smith’s door. Mrs. Smith opened the door and looked at them sadly.

“Are you here to turn me in to the police?” she asked, her eyes filled with fear.

“No, we bought you groceries and some household items,” Camilla replied, holding up a bag.

“You should have told us your situation from the beginning; we would have helped you,” Olivia said, her tone softer than usual.

“Yes, robbing us wasn’t very polite,” Richard added, but his voice was less harsh.

“I’m sorry, I’m very ashamed,” Mrs. Smith said, tears welling up in her eyes.

“Now just let us know when you need something, and we’ll buy it for you,” Scott said, placing the grocery bags near Mrs. Smith. Tears streamed down Mrs. Smith’s face.

The neighbors became friends again, not enemies. They realized that understanding and kindness could solve their problems better than suspicion and anger.