My mom, Ruby, is a hard-working, talented wallpapering expert who’s always put me first. When she was hired to wallpaper the Bensons’ mansion, she was thrilled. After two weeks of grueling work, she came home in tears, saying the Bensons refused to pay her, claiming they didn’t like the pattern and threatening to call the police if she didn’t leave.

Seeing her so devastated lit a fire in me. I knew I had to do something. Remembering that the Bensons were out of town for the weekend, I enlisted my friends, Jake and Mia, to help me with a little payback. We sneaked into their house and covered the elegant wallpaper with the ugliest patterns and neon colors we could find.

Leaving a note that read, “Hope you love the new wallpaper! Free of cost! ;)” we left the scene. The Bensons’ outrage was epic, and their reputation in the neighborhood took a hit. Their complaints to the police went nowhere since there was no forced entry or theft.

The neighborhood buzzed about the Bensons’ scamming attempt, and soon, Mom was getting more job offers than ever. At the grocery store, she even ran into Mrs. Benson, whom she greeted with a cheery comment about the new wallpaper.

Mom and I had a good laugh about it later, sharing a moment of triumph. “Karma comes in all patterns and colors,” she joked. It was our little victory, a reminder that sometimes, justice needs a little help.