The power came back on around 6:00 in the evening, just as the electrical company had estimated. I shut down my generator and went about my evening, expecting that would be the end of it.
But I should have known better. Patricia Newman didn't let things go.
The next morning at 10:00, I arrived at the community center for the emergency board meeting. The parking lot was nearly full, which surprised me. Apparently, word had spread through the neighborhood about the drama.
Inside, folding chairs had been set up in rows facing a long table where the board members sat. Patricia was in the center, flanked by Robert and Margaret. Two other board members, whose names I couldn't recall, sat at the ends. About 30 residents filled the chairs, fanning themselves and whispering.
Patricia called the meeting to order with a sharp rap of her gavel. "Thank you all for coming on such short notice. We have a serious matter to address regarding community cooperation and emergency preparedness."
She proceeded to give her version of events, painting me as a selfish resident who refused to help his neighbors in their time of need. She carefully avoided mentioning the hot tub, instead focusing on how I had power while elderly and vulnerable residents suffered in the heat.
When she finished, several hands went up. Carol Henderson spoke first. "I just want to say that I was terrified yesterday. The heat in my house reached 95°. I have very sensitive skin, and I could have had a serious medical episode."
I raised my hand. "Carol, I'm sorry you were uncomfortable, but the temperature outside was 115°. 95° inside actually means your house was doing its job of insulating you from the external temperature. Also, sensitive skin isn't a condition that requires air conditioning."
"How dare you minimize my medical condition?" Carol snapped.
"I'm not minimizing anything. I'm pointing out that temporary discomfort during a power outage isn't a medical emergency."
Patricia banged her gavel. "Daniel, you're out of order! You'll have your chance to speak."
An older man in the back raised his hand. "I'm confused. Why couldn't Daniel share his power? Don't we have rules about helping each other out?"