Answer: The changes in the neighborhood suggest that the residents are frightened and need protection.
Explanation:
Nadine Gordimer's short story, <em>Once Upon A Time</em>, is set in a suburb where houses are being broken into. One person is murdered, which motivates the neighbors to take precautions to protect themselves. The alarm systems are installed, which is the first change to the neighborhood. However, due to an increase in crime, people realize that the alarms, which also frequently go off without a reason, do not guarantee their safety. People then build walls and fences, which signalizes that they have become even more frightened.
