"Did you park this vehicle on Amanda's property?"
"It was temporary."
"That was not my question."
Sheldon glanced at me.
"Yes."
Elise opened the folder.
"The association rules prohibit driving or parking on another owner's lot without permission. The complaint includes video."
"She turned the lawn into a swamp."
Elise looked down at the mud.
"The weather report shows three days of rain before you parked there."
"She ran sprinklers all night."
"On her own property."
Sheldon looked around for support.
No one spoke.
Elise continued.
"Amanda also submitted photographs showing damage to the flower bed and lawn. You are responsible for restoring the property."
"She made it worse."
"No, the presence of your car made it worse. She simply watered her lawn. Your car caused the damage that you must pay for."
The second tow truck arrived 20 minutes later.
It carried wide recovery mats and a heavy winch.
Luis and the second driver placed the mats around the SUV and connected the winch from the street.
Before they began, Luis approached me.
"Ma'am, pulling it out may widen the ruts. We will do our best, but there will be more damage."
"Can you document it?"
He nodded.
"We take photos before and after every recovery."
"Then go ahead."
Sheldon heard us.
"Why does she get to decide?"
Luis looked confused.
"Because the vehicle is on her land."
That answer drew a few quiet laughs from the neighbors.
The recovery took almost 40 minutes.
Each time the winch tightened, mud sucked at the tires.
The SUV moved inches at a time.
When it finally reached the mats, everyone heard a loud wet sound as the rear wheels broke free.
The lawn looked terrible.
Four deep ruts crossed the grass.
Mud covered the edge of the walkway.
Two sections of my flower bed were crushed, and one small shrub leaned sideways.
Sheldon stared at the damage.
Then Luis handed him the invoice.
Sheldon looked at the amount.
"This is robbery."
"No," Luis said. "This is recovery."
