The scribbled note from our delivery driver, Ravi, made my heart skip a beat and sent me running to the trash cans in my backyard. That simple message kicked off a night I couldn’t have expected. His warning may have saved my family from something terrible, but we weren’t out of the woods yet.
Usually, when I’m too tired to cook for my kids, Kai and Isla, I order delivery. Over the months, we’ve gotten to know Ravi well. He’s always cheerful, chatting with Kai and Isla, giving them high-fives before heading off on his motorcycle. But last Tuesday, something was different.
When Ravi pulled up, his face was tense, and he handed me the bags quickly. No smile, no friendly words. He just turned and almost ran back to his bike, speeding off down the street.
“What’s wrong with Ravi?” Kai asked, watching him go with a confused expression.
I shrugged, just as puzzled. “No idea, honey. Maybe he’s in a rush.”
I brought the food inside and set it on the counter. As I unpacked, I spotted a note, scribbled across one of the bags in a hurry: “CHECK YOUR TRASH CAN.”
A chill went down my spine. I tried to stay calm, sending the kids off to wash up. “Go wash your hands for dinner, okay?” I said, trying to keep my voice steady. Once they were out of earshot, I stepped outside, my heart pounding with every step toward the trash can. I lifted the lid, holding my breath.
Inside, there was an old, dirty blanket. I pulled it back slowly, revealing a pair of gloves, some small tools, and an unlabeled bottle of clear liquid.
“What…is this?” I muttered, dread filling me as I tried to understand.
Just then, Isla’s voice snapped me back. “Mom? Are you okay?”
I shut the lid quickly and turned to her with a shaky smile. “Yes, sweetheart, just checking on something. Go inside, I’ll be right there.”
As soon as I got back inside, I grabbed my phone and called the sheriff’s office. The dispatcher, Leona, listened carefully as I explained what I’d found. Her voice was steady but urgent. “Stay inside with your kids, and don’t touch anything. I’m sending someone over right away.”
As I hung up, a wave of fear washed over me. Our neighborhood had seen a string of burglaries recently, and I realized, with a chill, that our house might have been next.
Minutes later, a knock at the door startled me. I opened it to see Leona, clipboard in hand, her face serious. She listened as I told her everything, taking notes, her expression unchanging.
“I’ll take these items to the lab,” she assured me, gathering the tools and bottle carefully. “And for now, we’ll have officers patrol the area to keep an eye on things.”
That night, I couldn’t sleep. Every small noise made me jump. I was exhausted by morning, but I couldn’t ignore the feeling of unease. At 8 a.m., I called a security company and practically begged them to send someone that day. Thankfully, they agreed.
While the crew set up cameras around my house, I noticed Leona pulling up in her patrol car. She stepped out, looking more serious than before, holding a file. My heart raced as she walked over.
“The lab results are back,” she announced. “The liquid in that bottle is corrosive, often used to weaken locks. Whoever put it there likely planned to break in.”
My stomach dropped. “Did Ravi see anything?” I asked, remembering his unusual behavior.
Leona thought for a moment. “He might have. Look, he’s right over there.”
I looked down the street to see Ravi’s motorcycle parked outside a nearby house. Leona suggested I speak with him while she kept watch.
When I approached Ravi, he seemed nervous. He looked around and then spoke quietly. “I saw two men messing around your trash can after I parked,” he admitted. “They didn’t look like they belonged there. I wanted to tell you, but…I was afraid they were still around.”
A huge wave of relief washed over me. “Thank you for leaving that note. You may have saved us.”
Ravi gave a small smile, nodded, and rode off. I returned to find Leona waiting by the door. “We’ll catch whoever’s responsible, Nora. In the meantime, stay cautious.”
That night, I sat in front of the new security monitor, watching the quiet streets. Although fear lingered, I felt a new sense of courage, knowing that with people like Ravi and Leona, I wasn’t alone in this. We were ready to face whatever might come.
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