My Neighbors Had a House Fire, So We Took Them in — What They Discovered in Our Home Shocked Me

But then, one morning, James approached me in the kitchen, his voice barely above a whisper. “Violet, don’t say anything to Jim. But listen carefully,” he said, glancing around nervously. “He asked us not to open the door under the stairs because there was a huge mess. But we heard some sounds from there. Could you open it, please?” My heart sank. What could be behind that door? I rushed downstairs, fumbling with the keys, my mind racing with possibilities. When I finally opened the door, the strong odor hit me like a punch. Inside, to my absolute horror, were five rabbits. I felt a wave of dizziness and had to steady myself against the doorframe. “Jim!!!” I screamed, my voice tinged with panic. Jim was at my side in an instant. “What’s wrong, Violet?”

I pointed to the rabbits, my breath coming in shallow gasps. “What is this? We agreed you wouldn’t keep rabbits in the house!” Jim looked sheepish as he descended the stairs. “Violet, I… I can explain.” “Explain?” I could feel my temper rising. “Two months ago, you promised to give them away because of my allergies and fear. Why are there five rabbits now?” Jim sighed, his shoulders slumping. “I couldn’t give them away. I found a place for them in the basement. I’ve been coming down here every day to feed them, clean up, and play with them. I didn’t think it would be a problem.” “A problem? I’m allergic, Jim! What if I had a reaction?” I was struggling to keep my voice steady, the betrayal stinging more than the potential health risk. “I know, I know. I thought I had it under control. I’m sorry, Violet. I just didn’t want to give them up.” James and Eloise stood at the top of the stairs, looking awkward and concerned. “We had no idea.