That response made my next step clear. That evening, I installed a lockable cover on the outlet—not as punishment, but to protect my space and avoid future misunderstandings.
The next morning, I found a handwritten note in my mailbox. He apologized, admitting he should have asked before using my electricity.
Later that day, he came by in person. We had a brief but honest conversation, and the tension eased. What started as a quiet frustration ended with a simple reminder: clear boundaries and communication matter, even between good neighbors.