“The rule said container height.”
Marjorie inhaled.
“This is exactly what I mean.”
Naomi stared.
“I read what you send me.”
“You look for technicalities.”
“I look for the rule.”
“You make everything difficult.”
“Then send accurate notices.”
Marjorie stepped forward again.
Now too close.
Naomi smelled expensive perfume.
“People like you think rules apply only when you agree with them.”
Naomi’s expression cooled.
“No.”
She pointed toward the paper.
“I think rules apply when they exist.”
Marjorie laughed sharply.
“Cute.”
Naomi did not.
“You need to leave.”
“I am conducting official association business.”
“You entered my fenced property after I told you not to.”
“The HOA has inspection authority.”
“Not unlimited entry authority.”
“This is an exterior area.”
“It’s still my property.”
“The association governs exterior compliance.”
“From outside the gate.”
Marjorie stared.
Naomi pointed toward the sidewalk.
“Leave.”
For several seconds neither woman moved.
Then Marjorie looked toward the porch.
Naomi followed her gaze.
The leaf blower’s extension cord ran from an exterior outlet near the porch column.
Marjorie walked toward it.
Naomi stepped sideways.
“Don't touch anything.”
Marjorie reached for the plug.
Naomi put one hand between her and the outlet without touching her.
“I said don't.”
“I'm disconnecting prohibited equipment.”
“No, you're not.”
“Move.”
“No.”
Marjorie's voice rose.
“Move.”
Naomi did not.
Marjorie turned toward her.
Their faces were less than two feet apart.
“You are obstructing HOA enforcement.”
Naomi almost laughed.
“No.”
Her voice remained low.
“I am standing on my porch.”
Marjorie shoved the paper toward Naomi’s chest.
“Take this seriously.”
Naomi pushed the paper aside.
Not Marjorie.
Only the page.
“I am.”
Marjorie's expression changed.
Something broke.
Maybe patience.
Maybe pride.
Maybe the certainty that Naomi would eventually surrender if pressure continued.
She lifted her hand.
The open palm struck Naomi high across the upper arm and shoulder.
Not hard enough to knock her down.
Hard enough that the sound shocked both of them.
Naomi took one involuntary step backward.
For half a second, the world stopped.
Marjorie looked almost surprised at herself.
Naomi stared.
Then:
“Did you just hit me?”
Marjorie recovered immediately.
“You grabbed at me.”
“No.”
“You put your hands on me.”
“I moved the paper.”
“You became aggressive.”
Naomi's breathing changed.
She pointed toward the gate.
“Get off my property.”
Marjorie stepped toward her.
“I will not be intimidated.”
Naomi backed up.
Not because she was afraid Marjorie could overpower her.
Because Naomi suddenly understood the danger of any physical response.
If she touched Marjorie now, the entire scene could become two competing stories.
Black woman.
White HOA president.
Physical confrontation.
No.
Naomi kept distance.
“Leave.”
Marjorie pointed at her.
“You don't tell me what to do.”
“This is my house.”
“This is an HOA-controlled community.”
“My house.”
“You signed covenants.”
“I did not sign away my front porch.”
“Stop twisting everything.”
Naomi pointed again.
“Out.”
Marjorie shoved her.
This time with both hands against Naomi's upper chest and shoulder.
Naomi hit the porch railing with one hip.
Pain flashed.
Not serious.