I often ordered food delivery when I was too tired to cook. We got to know Ravi, the delivery guy, who was always friendly with my kids, Kai and Isla. But last Tuesday night, Ravi seemed unusually nervous. He handed over the food quickly and rushed back to his car without saying much.
“What’s up with Ravi?” Kai asked.
“I’m not sure,” I replied, shrugging it off.
As I unpacked the food, I noticed a note on the bag: “CHECK YOUR TRASH CAN.” My heart raced. I told the kids to wash up while I went to check the backyard.
An empty fast-food bag inscribed with a warning | Source: Amomama
My hands shook as I opened the trash can. Inside, wrapped in a dirty blanket, were gloves, small tools, and a bottle of liquid. I quickly slammed the lid shut and went back inside, forcing a calm demeanor. I called the sheriff’s office.
“Sheriff’s Department, this is Leona speaking.”
“Leona, it’s Nora. I found something concerning in my trash. I need help immediately.”
“Don’t touch anything. I’m on my way. Stay inside with your kids.”
Leona arrived and recommended installing security cameras and increasing patrols. I was too anxious to sleep, so I spent hours researching security systems. By morning, I called a security company, explaining the urgency. They managed to fit me in within two hours.
As the security team installed the cameras, Leona returned. “The liquid in the bottle is a corrosive used to weaken locks. Your home was likely the next target.”
I felt a wave of relief mixed with fear. “What about Ravi? Should I talk to him?”
“If you see him, yes. Be careful,” Leona advised.
Just then, Ravi pulled up to my neighbor’s house. I approached him. “Hey, got a minute?”
Ravi looked nervous. “I saw some guys messing with your trash. I wanted to warn you but was scared.”
“Thank you,” I said, my voice thick with gratitude. “You might have saved my family.”
Ravi relaxed. “Really? You’re not mad?”
“No, not at all. I owe you.”
As Ravi drove away, I felt both grateful and uneasy. The threat wasn’t over, but knowing we had support made me feel less alone. That night, watching the security monitors, I felt more secure, ready to face whatever came next, grateful for Ravi’s quick thinking and the new safety measures.
