I often order food delivery when I’m too exhausted to cook for my kids. Over time, we grew close to Ravi, our delivery guy. He’d chat with Kai and Isla, always high-fiving them before leaving. But last Tuesday, something was different.
Ravi arrived looking nervous, shoved the food into my hands, and quickly retreated to his car. “What’s up with Ravi?” Kai asked, peering out the window. I shrugged, puzzled.
As I brought the food inside, I noticed something unusual on the back of the bag. Scrawled in shaky handwriting was a message: “CHECK YOUR TRASH CAN.”
Heart pounding, I excused myself and raced to the backyard. In one of the trash cans, I found a bundle of gloves, tools, and a bottle of unmarked liquid. Panic set in. I quickly dialed the sheriff’s office.
“Leona, it’s Nora. I found something alarming in my trash.”
“Don’t touch anything. I’m on my way. Stay inside with your kids,” she instructed.
A food delivery man saddling up on his motorcycle | Source: Pexels
Our neighborhood had recently suffered a series of break-ins using chemicals to weaken locks. I realized my house might be the next target. I tried to stay calm while serving dinner to Kai and Isla, but my anxiety was palpable.
When Leona arrived, I explained the situation. She advised increasing security and promised to patrol the area. I spent the night researching security systems, unable to sleep. By morning, I called a security company urgently. “I need cameras installed today.”
“We have a cancellation. Our team can be there in two hours,” the receptionist said.
Relief washed over me. I cleared my schedule, and the security team arrived and installed cameras. Every passerby seemed suspicious as I anxiously waited.
Leona returned with grim news. “The lab results confirmed the liquid is a corrosive used to weaken locks. They were planning a break-in.”
I was shaken but relieved by the installation of the security system and Leona’s commitment to increasing patrols. As if on cue, Ravi arrived at a neighbor’s house. I went outside to speak with him.
Ravi looked anxious. “I saw some guys messing with your trash. I wanted to warn you, but I was scared they might still be around.”
I thanked him, deeply moved. “You might have saved my family. Thank you.”
Leona promised we’d catch the culprits based on Ravi’s description. That night, after tucking Kai and Isla in, I sat by the security monitors, feeling both vigilant and thankful. Though the threat wasn’t over, I felt supported by Ravi’s quick thinking, Leona’s dedication, and my own resolve to protect my family.
