Dec. 20, 2017: Heading into the holidays. The new buyers upstairs are upset that the board has not yet approved their remodeling plans. Their plans include A/C lines running up to the roof through the shaft. It feels like an end run by a new player. They issue a litigation hold letter to the board — five days before Christmas. (I have not done any shopping yet.)

What is a litigation hold letter? Board members are not allowed to delete emails or use a shredder because our new neighbors may be planning to sue, and they might need the material. The letter from their lawyer says, “We have reason to believe that you have documents and materials in your possession, custody or control that are relevant to claims that may be asserted against you and others.”

Really? For the record, I have complied. Naturally, I am thinking of Hillary. Lesson learned on deleting emails. I no longer want to be president of this co-op board. I no longer care if anyone likes me. And they are welcome to my emails. I have saved every last one.

Jan. 5, 2018: Note to self: Never go against your instincts. A majority board vote on spending for the A/C project will not end this story. A special shareholder meeting has been called for Jan. 15 to vote on ousting three of us from the board. (I am one of the three.) Half of my neighbors have signed. No reason is given, but one neighbor tells me over the phone that she does not want to pay anything for the A/C project.

Jan. 8, 2018: At first, I try writing a treatise on the need for communication, keeping the tone light. I am explaining we are all at fault in our own unique ways. And then, w-h-a-m-o! A new legal threat from another neighbor arrives by email.

This one seeks to block the proposed air-conditioning plan. And it names a majority of the board, including me, as individuals — alleging breach of fiduciary duty and self-dealing — saying the costs of the plan are not fair to those who have already paid for their own central air-conditioning systems. It also says the plan violates the neighbor’s lease agreement, because it would involve work in her apartment that is not a repair.