The rules seemed to change depending on which conversation he was having with her.
The Father learned quickly that the official board mattered.
Under the association bylaws, certain amendments did not become enforceable until posted there.
Emails could be wrong.
Letters could be delayed.
A President could claim almost anything during an argument.
The notice board carried the official version.
The Father walked faster.
The Little Girl had to take quick steps beside him.
“Daddy?”
“Yes?”
“Is my pool gone forever?”
He looked down.
“No.”
“You promise?”
“I promise we'll find out what the actual rule says.”
The Little Girl thought.
“Is that different?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because people sometimes tell you what they want the rules to say.”
“And the board tells the truth?”
The Father almost smiled.
“That’s the theory.”
Behind them, the HOA President’s shoes struck the sidewalk quickly.
“Stop.”
The Father kept walking.
“I said stop.”
He turned.
“You don't give me commands on a public walkway.”
“This matter has already been decided.”
“Great.”
He gestured toward the notice board.
“Then the paperwork will agree with you.”
The HOA President went still.
Only for half a second.
The Father saw it.
The Little Girl saw something else.
She pointed.
“Daddy, her face looks weird.”
The Father almost choked.
The HOA President flushed.
“Excuse me?”
The Little Girl hid slightly behind her father.
He put a hand on her shoulder.
“Sweetheart.”
“What?”
“We don't comment on people’s faces.”
“But it changed.”
The Father bit the inside of his cheek.
The HOA President marched past them.
She reached the notice board first.
Then stopped directly in front of it.
The Father approached.
“Move.”
“I’m checking the posting.”
“So am I.”
“There is no reason.”
“Then move.”
She did not.
The Little Girl leaned sideways, trying to look around her.
The Father’s suspicion hardened.
“Are you blocking the board?”
The HOA President turned.
“No.”
“You're literally standing in front of it.”
“I am verifying whether the correct documents are posted.”
“That sounds useful.”
He stepped to one side.
She moved too.
He stared.
“Seriously?”
“Do not crowd me.”
“I’m six feet away.”
The Father pulled out his phone.
The HOA President immediately noticed.
“Are you recording?”
“Yes.”
“For what purpose?”
“So I can remember how a grown woman defeated a swimming pool.”
Her expression sharpened.
“This is harassment.”
The Father pointed toward the notice board.
“Open it.”
“I don't have to.”
The Father smiled faintly.
“It uses a public latch.”
He reached past her.
The acrylic cover opened.
The HOA President’s hand shot forward.
She tried to close it.
The Father caught the edge.