John Sims relocated to Tucson, Arizona in an attempt to lead a more sedate existence. It never occurred to him that it would turn into one of his life’s most memorable experiences. It all began when he was informed about a concerning rumor by the previous owner of his new house.
There was a rumor that there was something buried on the land. John began excavating in the backyard because he could not get the thought out of his head. He shuddered at what he found. Without a doubt, he did not sign up for this.
The home with the enigmatic backyard
John Sims was keen to acquire a house in midtown Tucson, Arizona, after learning about a friend’s sale. He knew he would be in good hands because the owner was one of his friends. However, after completing the paperwork, his acquaintance informed him of a property rumor.
The town’s elders say they think something intriguing was hidden away someplace in it. John might be able to unravel the puzzle, but his companion never was. In the end, John would find something that would make people throughout the state of Arizona very excited.
His curiosity overcame him.
John found himself recalling what his friend had said as he began to arrange his stuff in his new home. He was interested as much as curious. He soon became committed to discovering the mysteries around his new home.
John dug and proceeded to explore his property. After excavating the backyard in four separate locations, John was unable to find anything. Whatever it is, it must be beneath the bricks if he was unable to discover it beneath the grass.
X indicates the location
When John obtained access to local records, he discovered the documentation of his home’s construction. It revealed that an odd building named Whitaker Pools had been constructed in 1961. With confirmation now in hand that something was indeed buried on the land, John was even more driven to unravel the mystery.
He employed metal detector-wielding advisors to assist him in pinpointing the location. After arriving with the necessary equipment, a team searched John’s backyard. The metal detectors soon started to sound. John put a large X in the chalk at the locations of the two metal detector triggers.
striking a chord
Following the consultants’ dismissal, John eagerly picked up a shovel and began excavating. His shovel quickly made contact with something metallic. At last, he discovered something three feet beneath the grass. John chose to take a moment to reflect after making progress.
Could this have been a septic tank? What would happen if he managed to break or damage a pipe? He needed to be very careful. But the more precisely he dug, the more he felt that this was something different. He was going to unravel the riddle of his own backyard.
Getting the hatch open
Later on, John discovered what appeared to be a hatch’s opening. After bending over to remove some dirt, he pryed open the metal lid. John took care to avoid breathing in too much as there was a chance he would be exposed to harmful gas fumes or mold spores.
To allow any air from below to escape and allow fresh air to enter the building, John kept the lid open for almost a day. Additionally, he was aware that before entering the little area, the air needed to be checked for mold.
It wasn’t secure.
The following morning, John looked through the hatch. He discovered a spiral staircase that led below. John wasn’t that stupid, though most would have been so pleased that they would have started walking down right away.
He was more aware. He needed someone nearby as the captain of the Rural/Metro Fire Department in case the lid dropped back in. Now that he was home alone, there was no way he could remove the lid from below by himself.
Establishing a team
John was aware of all the dangers because of his extensive training and experience in rescuing individuals from confined areas. It was evident to him that the staircase was unstable and that venturing into the shaft alone would involve too many hazards.
John made the decision to start a team. To get some assistance, he invited several pals around. When it was safe enough to investigate what was inside the shaft, some of them may serve as spotters while others could assist him in carrying out the excavation.
Putting together a plan
The following day, the crew got together and sat down to create a blueprint. They also spoke on the best course of action. They repaired and strengthened the concrete framework around the steps as one of their initial actions.
In order to prevent any harm while they worked, they erected Sonotube cardboard around the entryway. John and his group labored to fasten the rebar inside the hatch and pour down layers of concrete.
It was laborious.
John had to cover the hatch with a tarpaulin to keep the team and the hatch safe. The heat in Arizona was beginning to get to be too much. They conjectured about what might be down there as they took breaks to escape the heat.
To locate the answers, there was much work ahead of us. In order to have adequate lighting within the shaft and to use power equipment when necessary, an electrical line had to be built. Additionally, a black pipe was put in to convey fresh air into the shaft.
figuring out how to get in
Their construction surrounding the structure was finally completed. Another obstacle was the spiral staircase, though. It was impossible to tell if the steps could support any weight because they were so rusted. Without going up the steps, they had to find another way inside.
John had to gently down the ladder that the team was using, being cautious not to cut himself on the rusty stairs. John was giddy with anticipation. He was going to be the one to crack the code first. The time he had been waiting for had finally arrived.
There was unfinished business.
John was relieved to learn they did not need to dig any further after reaching the bottom. However, there was still more to be done. The fiberglass covering the tunnel ceilings was deteriorating gradually. This implied that the building was still not safe.
When John thoroughly looked around, he was astounded to find that the building was largely intact despite almost fifty years of abandonment. Though it was empty at the time, it was later discovered to be John’s nuclear bomb bunker in his backyard!
Beginning during the Cold War
Everything became sense at once. When there was a threat of all-out nuclear war between the United States and the Soviet Union during the Cold War, the shelter was constructed. At that time, Whitaker Pools expanded their business to include bomb shelters.
In actuality, bomb shelters were present on a number of properties in the Tucson region. It was the most a responsible family man could do in those days to ensure his loved ones’ safety in the event of a nuclear war.
The past of Tucson
It turns out that bombs and Tucson have a long history together. With eighteen ballistic missiles that could transcend continents and wipe out an area of 900 square miles, Tucson was once known as the “rocket town.”
The government maintained the missile silos top secret, and nearly all of the missiles had been rendered inoperable by the end of the Cold War. In the early 1980s, the majority of nuclear shelters were either locked or destroyed.
gaining popularity
John soon gained popularity on Reddit after sharing his discovery from his backyard. Within hours, hundreds of people had commented on the post. TV programs and local newspapers began contacting to arrange interviews regarding it.
Even foreign publications like the Daily Mail carried the story. Japan has also heard of John’s story. Definitely a significant discovery. Residents in Tucson also began to worry if they had one in their backyard.
What comes next?
John was able to establish connections with local residents who had fallout shelters thanks to the attention he received. He had the opportunity to inquire about their cleaning process and obtain suggestions from them on its future use.
John intends to create a Cold War museum, but the majority of individuals converted theirs into man caves or wine cellars. John began gathering artifacts such as Geiger counters, water supply barrels, HAM radios, and sanitation kits after doing extensive research on the Cold War era.
His reflections on his discovery
In an interview, John said, “I was really hoping it was going to be a little microcosm… a time capsule full of radiation detectors, cots, and civil defense boxes and stuff like that.” Sadly, there was not even any furniture in the bomb bunker.
John also mentioned how much reading he had been doing on the Cold War. He thinks that the main reason Tucson people built bomb shelters in their backyards in the 1960s was likely the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Recommendations for citizens of Tucson
John advises residents of Tucson who are interested in finding out if their backyard contains a bomb shelter to search City of Tucson or Pima County data. The building permits will most likely contain the information.
When someone discovers a bomb shelter in the yard, John also cautions everyone against jumping in too soon. John went on to say that it’s usually not a good idea to jump into holes in the earth since anyone can get instantly incapacitated by the toxic air in a tunnel or a cave-in.
Requesting financial assistance
John is fully planning to renovate the bomb shelter. However, he lacked that amount of cash. To raise money to refurbish his 1960s bomb shelter, he created a GoFundMe page. He intended to renovate the entrance and do inside renovations as well.
Replacing the stairs to enable safe access was one of John’s top concerns. John was only able to accomplish so with the money he was able to gather, and he and the remodeling team may now enter and exit the building safely.
My Sister and Her Family Moved Into My House Without My Permission — Karma Hit Them Hard the Same Day
Phoebe thought her day couldn’t get worse when she found her sister and her family settling into her home without asking. But just as hope seemed lost, an unexpected knock at the door set in motion a delicious serving of instant karma.
I was always close to my sister while growing up, but things changed after she got married. What happened between us a few days ago was something I’ll never forget.
A woman standing near a window | Source: Midjourney
I’m Phoebe, 31, and I own a modest three-bedroom house. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s mine, and I’m damn proud of it.
I’ve been paying it off for ten years now, working day and night to make those mortgage payments.
I won’t deny that I sometimes envy my friends living in their fancy apartments downtown, but then I remember that this place is mine. No landlord breathing down my neck, and no roommates leaving dirty dishes in the sink. Just me and my space.
A woman looking straight ahead, smiling | Source: Midjourney
Now, let me introduce you to my sister, Holly.
She’s 38, a mother of two, and married to her high school sweetheart, Nicholas. We used to be close when we were younger, but things changed when she got married. She started focusing more on her new life, and I never blamed her. I believe she did what she thought was best for her.
We drifted apart, but we were still on good terms. Or so I thought.
A woman smiling | Source: Midjourney
Holly and Nicholas have always been the free-spirited types. They’re one of those people who’re always talking about “quitting the rat race” and “living life to the fullest.”
It used to drive me nuts when we’d get together for family dinners.
“Life’s too short to be stuck in a cubicle, Phoebe,” Holly would say, sipping her wine. “You should travel more, see the world!”
I’d roll my eyes.
“Some of us like having a steady paycheck and a roof over our heads, Holly.”
A woman talking to her sister | Source: Midjourney
Nicholas would chime in, “But think of the experiences! The memories!”
Yeah, well, memories don’t pay the bills, buddy, I’d think.
I tried to tell them to be more careful with their money. They were always jetting off on last-minute trips or buying the latest gadgets, even with two young kids to think about.
But did they listen? Nope.
A few months ago, they actually did it. They sold their house during the market boom, thinking they’d use the profit to fund a year-long break to “travel the world.”
An airplane flying over land | Source: Pexels
I remember the conversation like it was yesterday.
“We’re doing it, Phoebe!” Holly squealed over the phone. “We sold the house!”
“What?” I nearly choked on my coffee. “Holly, are you serious? What about the kids’ school? Your jobs?”
“Oh, we’ll homeschool them on the road. It’ll be an education in itself! And we can always find work later. This is our chance to really live!”
I tried to talk some sense into her. I was really worried.
A worried woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
“Holly, have you really thought this through? Travel is expensive, especially with kids. What happens when the money runs out?”
“Don’t be such a worrywart, Phoebe,” she said, brushing off the concerns. “We’ve got it all figured out. We’ll stay in hostels, maybe do some volunteering for room and board. It’ll be fine!”
It was not fine. Not at all.
At first, their social media was full of pictures from nice hotels and fancy restaurants.
“Living the dream!” they’d caption every post.
But within two months, those posts started to dwindle.
A woman using her laptop | Source: Pexels
The last one I saw was a grainy shot of them camping in some field, with a caption about “embracing the simple life.”
Then, radio silence for a few weeks. I thought they were just busy enjoying their travels, unaware of what was really happening behind the scenes.
One day, I came home from work, exhausted after a long day of meetings and deadlines. All I wanted was to kick off my shoes, pour a glass of wine, and binge-watch some trashy reality TV.
But as soon as I opened my front door, I knew something was off.
A doorknob | Source: Pexels
There were shoes I didn’t recognize in the entryway, kid-sized backpacks on the floor, and familiar voices coming from my living room.
I walked in, and there they were.
Holly, Nicholas, and their two kids. They were unpacking suitcases and boxes in MY living room.
“Holly?” I blurted out, squinting my eyes as I looked at the mess in my living room. “What… what are you doing here?”
“Oh, hi Phoebe!” Holly chirped. “Surprise! We’re back!”
“Back?” I repeated. “In my house?”
A woman talking to her sister | Source: Midjourney
Then, Nicholas stepped forward, smiling like this was the most normal thing in the world.
“Yeah, we decided to cut the trip short,” he said. “Turns out, full-time travel with kids is harder than we thought!”
“And Mom gave us your spare key… the one you gave her for emergencies,” Holly added. “I knew you wouldn’t mind us crashing here for a bit while we figure things out. It’ll only be for a few months.”
A woman standing in her sister’s house | Source: Midjourney
“A few months?” I protested. “Holly, are you serious? You can’t just move into my house without asking me!”
“But… we’re family. I thought you’d be happy to help us out.”
“Happy?” I could feel my cheeks burning with anger. “Holly, this is my house. My space. You should’ve talked to me about this!”
“Now, now, Phoebe,” Nicholas interrupted. “Let’s not get too high and mighty here. Family helps family, right? It’s not like you’re using all this space anyway.”
A muscular man looking away while talking to his wife’s sister | Source: Midjourney
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. Where did this entitlement come from? Why were they acting like what they did was fine?
“You guys need to leave,” I said, crossing my arms on my chest. “Now.”
But Holly refused.
Meanwhile, Nicholas started subtly threatening me.
“Come on, Phoebe,” he began, looming over me. “Don’t make this difficult. We don’t have anywhere else to go.”
I was furious. If I called the cops, their young kids might get dragged into it, and I didn’t want that.
A close-up shot of a woman | Source: Midjourney
I needed to come up with a plan, so I headed straight to my bedroom and locked the door behind me.
At that point, I honestly felt like crying. I had no idea what to do until my phone buzzed. It was a text from my old college friend, Alex.
Hey Pheebs! In your area for work. Drinks tonight?
Alex was always the prankster in our friend group, always coming up with wild schemes. If anyone could help me out of this mess, it was him.
A woman thinking while holding her phone | Source: Midjourney
I quickly texted him back.
Actually, can you come over? I have a situation and could use your help. Bring your acting skills.
The doorbell rang an hour later, and I raced to answer it before Holly or Nicholas could. When I opened the door, I saw a police officer standing at my doorstep.
“Oh my God, Alex!” I looked at him with wide eyes. “You’re wearing the perfect costume!”
I quickly stepped outside and closed the door behind me.
“What happened, Pheebs?” he asked.
A man dressed as a police officer | Source: Midjourney
“I need your help getting rid of my relatives,” I told him, still fascinated by his fake police uniform. “They’ve completely taken over my house.”
I quickly explained the situation, and Alex agreed to help. Then, I opened the door and called out to Holly and Nicholas.
“Holly, Nicholas, can you come here please? There’s a police officer who needs to speak with us.”
They were smiling when they came into the hallway, but their expressions immediately changed when they saw Alex in his uniform.
A woman looking straight ahead | Source: Midjourney
“Good evening,” Alex said. “I’m Officer Johnson. We’ve received reports of a break-in at this address. Can you tell me what’s going on here?”
Nicholas looked at me, squinting his eyes. Then, he puffed up his chest and slowly walked toward Alex.
“There’s no break-in here, officer,” Nicholas said in a serious tone. “We’re family. Everything’s fine.”
“Officer, these people entered my home unlawfully,” I said. “I never gave them permission to be here.”
Alex nodded and then looked at Holly and Nicholas.
“How did you gain entry to this residence?” Alex asked.
A police officer talking to a man | Source: Midjourney
“We, uh, we used a key,” Holly stammered. “Mom gave it to me. It was a, uh, spare key for emergencies.”
“But no one asked my permission,” I intervened. “So, technically, you broke in. Who knows what might be missing?”
“I see,” Alex said, looking around the house. “And when the homeowner asked you to leave, did you comply?”
“Now, hold on a minute,” Nicholas said, his voice trembling slightly. “We did—”
A confused man | Source: Midjourney
“I’m afraid I’m going to have to ask you to leave the premises immediately,” Alex cut him off, pulling out a pair of handcuffs. “Failure to do so could result in charges of breaking and entering, as well as trespassing.”
I wanted to laugh so hard watching Nicholas pretending to be a police officer. He was just amazing. His last sentence was enough to send Holly and Nicholas into a panic.
“We’re sorry…” Holly began. “We’ll pack up.”
A close-up shot of a woman’s face | Source: Midjourney
They quickly began throwing their things into their bags.
“If you leave right now,” Alex said sternly, “I won’t file charges. But you’ll return the key and never trespass again.”
They didn’t need to be told twice. Alex and I watched in silence as they grabbed their kids and their bags and bolted out of the house.
I finally laughed once their car sped away.
“You’re a lifesaver, Alex,” I said, shaking my head in disbelief. “Coffee?”
“Sure!” he said as he walked in and closed the door behind him.
A police officer smiling | Source: Midjourney
I quickly made two cups of coffee before we sat in my now-quiet living room.
“I can’t believe they just assumed they could live here,” Alex said, shaking his head.
“I know,” I sighed. “Part of me feels guilty, you know? They’re family, after all. But I just couldn’t let them freeload off me like that.”
“You did the right thing, Phoebe,” Alex reassured me. “They can’t just take advantage of you because their hare-brained scheme failed.”
A police officer talking to his friend | Source: Midjourney
“I’m so glad you messaged me at the right time, Alex,” I said, looking at my phone. “I don’t know what I’d have done without you. But why did you come dressed up like a police officer?”
“Oh, that,” Alex chuckled. “I was just messing around with friends, pulling pranks and all. I had no idea my costume would come in handy over here. What a coincidence, right?”
“Yeah,” I nodded. “What a coincidence.”
A woman thinking while sitting on a couch | Source: Midjourney
As we talked, I couldn’t help but think of the consequences of my actions. Had I done the right thing? Would this drive an irreparable wedge between me and my sister?
But then I looked around my living room. It was my space, and I had worked so hard for it. I thought about all the long hours and the sacrifices I’d made to buy a house and realized I couldn’t let Holly and Nicholas just take over everything.
I also realized it was okay to put myself first. It was okay to stand up for myself and not let people walk all over me.
What would you have done if you were in my shoes?
If you enjoyed reading this story, here’s another one you might like: Jack is furious when his sister-in-law shows up to a family event in his late wife, Della’s cherished dress. But the final blow comes when she “accidentally” ruins it right in front of him. Jack holds back his anger, but karma has its way of delivering justice in ways no one expects.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but it has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher make no claims to the accuracy of events or the portrayal of characters and are not liable for any misinterpretation. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed are those of the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
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