{"id":4992,"date":"2024-10-15T19:37:55","date_gmt":"2024-10-15T19:37:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/?p=4992"},"modified":"2024-10-15T19:38:02","modified_gmt":"2024-10-15T19:38:02","slug":"poor-man-removes-his-lawn-and-discovers-his-entire-yard-is-covered-in-dollars-story-of-the-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/poor-man-removes-his-lawn-and-discovers-his-entire-yard-is-covered-in-dollars-story-of-the-day\/","title":{"rendered":"Poor Man Removes His Lawn and Discovers His Entire Yard Is Covered in Dollars \u2014 Story of the Day"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Poor man Steven is finally able to replace his lawn and discovers a layer of cash hidden beneath the sod. He imagines a life of wealth and ease, but when others try to claim his money, Steven goes on the run.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI shouldn\u2019t have joined the Homeowner\u2019s Association,\u201d Steven muttered as he sliced his patchy lawn into strips.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven worked for hours. When he started rolling up the sod, he found something strange.<br>\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWhat\u2019s this layer of plastic doing here?\u201d Steven exclaimed.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven tugged on the corner of the sheet and fell on his butt in amazement. Stacks of dollar bills were hidden beneath the plastic.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHoly moley,\u201d Steven whispered as he stared out across the expanse of his lawn.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/2a852bb1adc2acddef49a90c9746a5e189928be1cadaa8b2b7c2413f605cc42c.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven started stuffing the money into a trash bag, but then a gust of wind sent the bills swirling into the air. Steven jumped to catch them.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWowee! Is that what I think it is?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><blockquote class='\"wp-block-quote\"'>\n<p>Steven\u2019s heart leaped into his throat. His neighbor, Billy, was leaning on the picket fence separating their yards.\n\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cDon\u2019t tell anyone about this, Billy.\u201d Steven hurriedly packed up the money.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI ain\u2019t no gossip, Steve.\u201d Billy raised his hands and pulled an innocent face.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/c4b1c936c5ad0ff72748b16843a5ba0011b825e6dd680e7dfb312edcdaf94309.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>The next day, Steven drove to the police station to report the find so it could legally be declared his. Officer Wilson stood when he entered.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHere\u2019s our lucky guy!\u201d Wilson grinned at him.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven shook his head. So much for Billy not gossiping! \u201cI\u2019ve got to fill out some paperwork before I can legally claim that money, right?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHold on there, Wilson. I hate to put a damper on Mr. Johnson\u2019s good fortune, but that money doesn\u2019t belong to him.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steve turned. He clenched his jaw and ground his teeth as he recognized one of the HOA board members he hated the most: Bryan.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e5de692671836ae39e1c790576f812df12618f7b4f0fc3464500b1668b5fa428.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWhat do you mean, Mr. Smith?\u201d Wilson frowned at the newcomer.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cY\u2019all know Davis, who lived there before Steve, was part of a gang, don\u2019t you?\u201d Bryan glanced from Wilson to Steve.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cNobody ever proved that, sir.\u201d Wilson frowned.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cOnly because they were too scared to go against him when he was alive, and there wasn\u2019t much point after he passed,\u201d Bryan said.\n\n\n\n</p><blockquote class='\"wp-block-quote\"'>\n<p>\u201cBut only he knew about the money in my safe. Next thing I knew, money was gone. Until now.\u201d\n\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMy home was owned by a gangster who stole your money and hid it beneath his lawn? How can you prove that?\u201d Steven asked.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Bryan arched his eyebrows. \u201cThe better question is: How are you going to prove it\u2019s not my money?\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/3ad363feaab4ef835bbceab44d1fe72355c383189b6c9bbff3ba94120b3abc90.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Wilson pulled a face. \u201cWe\u2019ll have to investigate, Mr. Johnson. You must bring that money in until the matter is concluded.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cAre you kidding me?\u201d Steven slapped his palm down on the desk. \u201cThis man walks in here with a tall tale about gangsters and stolen money, and you\u2019re just going to take his word on it?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI\u2019m sorry, Mr. Johnson, but we\u2019ve got to follow protocol,\u201d Wilson said. \u201cYou\u2019ve got until the end of the day to bring in that money.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven glared at Wilson and Bryan. This was ridiculous, but he didn\u2019t want to get in trouble with the police.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cFine, I\u2019ll bring the money in today,\u201d Steven snarled.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven climbed into his car. He swore and turned to grab one of the money bags from the backseat. He\u2019d planned to use the cash to turn his dilapidated house into a home suitable for raising a family. He couldn\u2019t let go of that dream so easily.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cThis money belongs to me, fair and square, and I won\u2019t give it up.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/aba2b678bf5296724e9737aad7bb8cb52527d09029aae5d71f920f7ae06d7297.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>It seemed like the only way Steven could keep his money was to leave town.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven took a complicated detour through the suburbs until he reached the off-ramp, then he swerved across traffic and turned back to avoid the patrol car parked on the verge. He focused more on his rearview mirror than the road ahead as he sped away. He didn\u2019t realize when he ran a red light.\n\n\n\n</p><blockquote class='\"wp-block-quote\"'>\n<p>Steven swerved just in time to avoid a collision. A siren wailed. Steven glanced back the way he came just as the patrol car\u2019s lights came to life. He floored the gas.\n\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven pulled into the undercover parking for a mall, grabbed a money bag in each hand, and fled into the night. He sprinted until he reached the next street and stopped dead when he saw a police car drive past.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cThey\u2019re everywhere,\u201d he muttered. He\u2019d have to find a place to lie low so he could figure the best way out of this situation.\n\n\n\n</p><p>The neon lights of a motel sign caught his eye. He dashed across the road, dodging traffic, and entered the motel office.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cGive me a room for the night,\u201d he demanded. \u201cI\u2019m paying cash, and I\u2019ll give you a big tip to keep my name out the register, understand?\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/7eaf1fe2c82404c9065757180993e3663ba963bc910da7b63c6b4985d6b63681.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven opened the motel room door just wide enough to enter and locked it once he was inside. He didn\u2019t want anyone to know the room was occupied, so he used the torch on his phone to look around the room.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven stared at the phone in his hand. The lock screen showed a picture of the cabin nestled between tall fir trees where he\u2019d stayed on his last camping trip. When he saw it, Steven knew exactly who to call for help.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cJarred!\u201d Steven exclaimed. \u201cI\u2019ve got myself into a real fix and I need your help.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMr. Do-No-Wrong Steven is in trouble?\u201d Jarred laughed. \u201cWhat have you done?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven explained everything and begged Jarred for help.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cLuckily you came to the right person,\u201d Jarred replied. \u201cI can solve your problem, so long as you show me the proper appreciation afterward.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/87e27c20cae9beb3f081a16e792c7dbce7c80b7b23eccc3f37640d3f4949e723.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n\n\n\n</p><p>The following day, Steven sat in the passenger seat of Jarred\u2019s truck, wringing his hands.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cYou\u2019re all clear on how this is going to play out, right?\u201d Jarred glanced at Steven.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven nodded. Jarred thumped him on the shoulder and turned into an undercover parking area. He parked next to Steven\u2019s car, and both men climbed out.\n\n\n\n</p><blockquote class='\"wp-block-quote\"'>\n<p>They got everything in place for Jarred\u2019s plan. A few minutes later, Steven climbed into his car.\n\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI\u2019m scared, Jarred.\u201d Steven turned to look at his friend through the open car window.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cOf course you are, but you\u2019re doing the right thing for your future.\u201d Jarred grinned at him. \u201cGo now, the sooner you get out there, the sooner you\u2019ll be done with this.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/9890f09f8deb2571cc412d10cc4b4fe9d25c876fb8725ffea47afe85c45cbafe.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven drove around town five times before he spotted a police car driving through an intersection.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cFinally!\u201d Steven sighed. He couldn\u2019t let that cop car get away!\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven sped after the police car the moment the traffic lights changed. He chased the patrol car over a hill and through another intersection. As he closed in on the car, he was rewarded with the flash of lights and the siren\u2019s wail.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cGood day, Officer.\u201d Steven grinned at the police officer who\u2019d approached his window after he pulled over.\n\n\n\n</p><p>The officer peered at Steven for a moment, then beckoned to her partner. Steven watched with anticipation as the two officers spoke together.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI\u2019m going to need you to step out of the vehicle.\u201d The first officer said when she returned to the car. \u201cYou\u2019re a wanted man and I\u2019m placing you under arrest!\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/1150af404f725f0321f98e680ca5b7cce278a1da3c19a5b904cf152d21fec599.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Pexels\n\n\n\n</p><p>Steven stepped out of the car with his hands in the air while the second police officer searched his car.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cThis is what we\u2019re looking for!\u201d The second officer exclaimed when he opened one of the bags on the backseat. A few minutes later, he turned to Steven with narrowed eyes.\n\n\n\n</p><blockquote class='\"wp-block-quote\"'>\n<p>\u201cThis is all counterfeit. What have you done with the real money?\u201d\n\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cThat money ain\u2019t counterfeit, it can\u2019t be!\u201d Steven tried to angle his head to get a better look at the money in the second cop\u2019s hand. \u201cYou mean to tell me I did all of this for fake money? That all this cash is worthless?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cIt would appear so, mister.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/1ed33d040ff98a595fa0e063c836c5747d755d68bbd2f892b91a72b17edb7e94.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n\n\n\n</p><p>The police kept Steven in jail for three days, but since they couldn\u2019t charge him with anything, they had to let Steven go. Jarred was waiting when he was released.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cNot everyone would\u2019ve had the guts to do what you did,\u201d Jarred said as they drove away.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI had no choice.\u201d Steven shrugged. \u201cThe police would\u2019ve caught up to me eventually no matter how well I hid.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWell, there won\u2019t be any more hiding for you.\u201d Jarred grinned. \u201cCan\u2019t prosecute a man for trying to keep a treasure that turned out to be fake, right?\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>Jarred drove them straight to his motel. They locked themselves in the room then Jarred reached under the bed and started pulling out trash bags.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cHere\u2019s your real treasure,\u201d Jarred said. \u201cSafe and sound, just like I promised.\u201d\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMy new life starts now!\u201d Steven opened the bag and threw a handful of cash into the air. Life sure was good, but a heavy knock at the door ended it all.\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/1ea38c4a355bd7af13adcac45a68855526cae9023eb19323a2b1d80c318673d2.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cMust be the takeout I ordered,\u201d Jarred said as he walked to the door. He waited until Steven had tidied all the money away and then unlocked the door.\n\n\n\n</p><p>Immediately, the door pushed open with enough force to send Jarred reeling. One man pushed through, then another. A third slipped in behind them and locked the door once more.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cWhat do you think you\u2019re doing?\u201d Steven cried out.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cClaiming what\u2019s rightfully mine.\u201d The third man turned and pointed a gun at his head.\n\n\n\n</p><p>\u201cI\u2019ll be taking back the money Davis stole for me now.\u201d The man grinned. \u201cAnd thank you very much for ensuring the police will never come looking for it.\u201d\n\n\n\n<figure class='\"wp-block-image\"'><img decoding='\"async\"' src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d83592f929c43a23d1fe1595efa654ac668e1407f29e3ddf211f643cdc0a20a7.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: unsplash>\n\n\n\n<p>For illustration purposes only | Source: Unsplash\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><div class='\"mh-excerpt\"'><p>Poor man Steven is finally able to replace his lawn and discovers a layer of cash hidden beneath the sod. He imagines a life of <a class='\"mh-excerpt-more\"' href="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/sciencesandnatures.com%5C/poor-man-removes-his-lawn-and-discovers-his-entire-yard-is-covered-in-dollars-story-of-the-day%5C/%5C%22" title='\"Poor' man removes his lawn and discovers entire yard is covered in dollars story of the day>[&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4992"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4992"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4992\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4993,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4992\/revisions\/4993"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4992"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4992"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/sciencesandnatures.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4992"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</a></p></div></figure></p></figure></p></figure></p></blockquote></figure></p></figure></p></blockquote></figure></p></figure></p></blockquote></figure></p></figure></p></blockquote></figure></p></figure></p></blockquote></figure></p>