My mother’s lake house was sacred. It was the only thing she left me after her passing, a serene place filled with her spirit and our memories. I kept it untouched, a private space to feel close to her again. But my father’s new wife, Carla, never respected that. She mocked my mother’s taste and tried to erase her presence completely.

On the anniversary of Mom’s death, I arrived at the lake house expecting solitude—and found a party instead. Carla had used stolen keys to throw a loud gathering with her friends. Seeing them laughing in my mother’s kitchen and using her treasured things as props broke me. I didn’t confront her in anger—I smiled, then contacted my lawyer.

Thanks to hidden security cameras and Carla’s own careless texts, we had everything we needed. She was charged with trespassing and faced civil penalties. Even her lawyer dropped her when he realized what she’d done. My father saw the footage and, for the first time, truly understood who Carla was.

In the end, karma did what I couldn’t. Carla lost her case, her reputation, and eventually her place in our family. I changed the locks and restored the lake house. Now when I sit on the porch, I whisper to my mom that I’ve protected her sanctuary—and always will.