Entitlement.
Maybe a reckless HOA board that had convinced itself some old agreement existed.
But people who make innocent mistakes don’t usually threaten the property owner standing on his own land.
“What problem?”
“There are contractual obligations now. Vendors. Families. Sponsors. The county tourism office has promoted this event.”
“Sounds like your problem.”
“Cancellation damages could exceed a hundred thousand dollars.”
“Your problem.”
“The HOA relied on documented access rights.”
“Your problem.”
“Refunds alone—”
“Your problem.”
Her face hardened.
“You think you can just destroy a major community event because you’re angry?”
I looked over her shoulder.
The cornfield glowed gold beneath the late September sun.
Thirty-one rows near the road had already been trampled flat by workers.
The remaining corn was dry.
Mature.
Ready.
I could almost hear my father’s voice from twenty years earlier.
Corn doesn’t care about your schedule, Jack.
When it’s ready, move.
