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After Brendan and I decided to split, he became someone completely different\u2014bitter and spiteful. One day, as we tried to sort out our belongings, he insisted on packing my things, but I refused, needing to sort my own items first.<\/p>\n
Things escalated, and I chose to stay with my parents for the weekend to clear my head. I needed space and support to process the divorce and the end of a twelve-year relationship.<\/p>\n
When I returned home on Monday morning, I was shocked to find all my furniture scattered on the lawn with a sign reading \u201cFree Stuff!\u201d My coffee table, couch, and even my grandmother\u2019s rocking chair were all exposed to the elements. I called Brendan, my hands shaking.<\/p>\n
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\u201cWhy is all my furniture on the lawn?\u201d I demanded.<\/p>\n
Brendan\u2019s response was cold. \u201cYou were going to sue for all my money anyway. I thought you should experience losing what\u2019s yours.\u201d<\/p>\n
I was stunned. \u201cYou think this solves anything? You\u2019re just making things worse.\u201d<\/p>\n
He shrugged off my anger. \u201cIt\u2019s your problem now. Maybe you should charge people for it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Frustrated, I kicked over a bedside table and heard a jingling noise. Inside the drawer, Brendan\u2019s father\u2019s watch\u2014a cherished family heirloom\u2014was nestled among random items. I smirked, feeling a sense of satisfaction.<\/p>\n
I texted friends for help and told them about the watch. That evening, Brendan called.<\/p>\n
\u201cI left something important behind. Can I come get it?\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cOh, I don\u2019t know,\u201d I replied. \u201cThe neighbors took a few things. If you\u2019re polite enough, maybe Cathy will sell it back to you.\u201d<\/p>\n
There was a pause. \u201cGina, it\u2019s my dad\u2019s watch. I need it back.\u201d<\/p>\n
I feigned ignorance. \u201cIt\u2019s with Cathy. I\u2019m sure she\u2019ll be reasonable\u2014for the right price.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cHow much?\u201d he asked.<\/p>\n
\u201cA few hundred dollars, maybe?\u201d I suggested.<\/p>\n
\u201cFine,\u201d he said, exasperated.<\/p>\n
The next morning, Brendan arrived with $500. He took the watch, but left without saying much. It felt good to see him squirm, even if it was just a small victory.<\/p>\n
What would you have done?<\/p>\n
Share<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
After Brendan and I decided to split, he became someone completely different\u2014bitter and spiteful. One day, as we tried to sort out our belongings, he insisted on… <\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":9866,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-9864","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"yoast_head":"\n