A hasty writing on a delivery bag brought me scurrying to my backyard, where I uncovered an unsettling find. The enigmatic note from Ravi, our regular delivery guy, may have protected my family from something awful, but the threat was still present. As a single mother, I frequently rely on meal delivery when I am too weary to prepare for my children. Ravi, our customary delivery person, became to be more than simply a familiar face. He was always friendly, giving high fives with my children, Kai and Isla, before leaving. However, last Tuesday, something felt different.Ravi arrived, looking abnormally agitated. He handed me our lunch without saying a word and dashed back to his car, leaving me bewildered. “What’s wrong with Ravi?”

Kai inquired, looking out the window. “I’m not sure, buddy. “Perhaps he’s in a hurry,” I said, watching his car disappear down the street. As I laid the food on the kitchen counter, still puzzled by Ravi’s peculiar conduct, I noticed something scribbled on the back of the delivery bag. The wobbly handwriting drew my attention right away, and by the time I finished reading the note, I had forgotten about dinner.”CHECK YOUR TRASH CAN.” My heart raced as I tried to stay calm for my children. “Why don’t you two wash up while I get everything ready?” I proposed sending them out of the kitchen. Ravi’s message echoed in my mind as I hurried to the backyard after they left. I approached the garbage cans, my hands quivering as I lifted the lid to the first one. Nothing out of the ordinary; just our typical crap. However, when I opened the second can, I froze. Inside, wrapped in an old blanket, were a set of gloves, a few small tools, and an unmarked bottle containing a mystery substance. Panic overcame me.”Mom? “Are you OK?” Isla’s voice startled me. I hurriedly closed the lid and turned to her with a fake smile. “I am fine, sweetie.” Just checking something. “Go inside; I’ll be right there.” As soon as Isla was gone, I called the sheriff’s office. “Sheriff’s Department, this is Leona speaking.” “Leona, this is Nora. I need you to come over ASAP. I discovered something strange in my trash. Leona’s voice became serious as I explained the contents of the can. “Do not touch anything. I am on my way. Stay indoors with the kids until I arrive.”I couldn’t get over my nervousness when we hung up. Our neighborhood had lately experienced a spate of break-ins using eerily similar methods—chemicals to weaken locks and rigorous evidence cleanup. A horrible notion entered my mind: my house was next on the list. “Mom, what’s going on?” Kai inquired, noting my uneasiness. “Everything’s fine,” I assured him, though my grin was forced. “Let’s have dinner.” A knock on the door interrupted our meal. I tensed, but comfort rushed over me as I saw Leona through the peephole.”Kids, stay here and finish dinner,” I said before going outside to speak with her. I described everything to Leona, including Ravi’s note, his weird conduct, and what I discovered in the trash. She listened attentively, her gaze scouring the street. “You did the right thing by calling me,” she told me. “I’ll look into what you found and have it evaluated. In the meantime, I strongly advise you to strengthen your security. “We’ll be patrolling the area all night.” That night, sleeping was impossible. I spent hours researching security systems and jumping at every sound. By the morning, I was jittery from a lack of sleep and too much caffeine.I called a security company at exactly 8 a.m. “I need cameras installed throughout my home. Today.” “Ma’am, our earliest slot is next week—” “No,” I said, my voice breaking. “Someone is preparing to break into my home. “I need those cameras right now.” The receptionist softened her voice in response to my anxiousness. Let me see what I can accomplish. Could you just hold for a moment? After what seemed like a lifetime, she returned with excellent news. “We got a cancelation. Our staff can be there in two hours. The security company arrived, and I paced around the home while they installed cameras. Every passing automobile and every dog walker seems suspicious. Leona came into my driveway as they were finishing up, her demeanor somber.”Nora, we need to talk inside,” she remarked. I sent the children to their rooms before sitting down with her. “The lab results are in,” she explained. “What liquid did you find? It’s a strong corrosive that is frequently used to weaken locks. My heart fell. “So, it is true. They planned to break in.” “It appears so,” Leona stated. “But you’ve made the correct measures. We are increasing patrols, and your security system is in place.” At that point, I noticed Ravi arriving at a neighbor’s house. “He’s here,” I whispered, approaching the window.”Talk to him, but be careful,” Leona urged. “We’re not sure if he’s involved or just a concerned bystander.” I approached Ravi as he prepared to depart. He seemed tense, but I needed answers. “I’m sorry about yesterday,” he said before I could respond. “I noticed some guys rummaging through your rubbish. They seemed shady. I wanted to warn you, but I was worried they would still be around.” Relief flooded over me. “So that’s why you left the note?” He nodded. “I’m sorry if I scared you.””Ravi, you may have saved my family. “Thank you,” I responded, my voice full of emotion. Later, after putting my children to bed, I sat in front of the new security monitors. The cameras captured peaceful streets and vacant yards, but I couldn’t shake the idea that someone was out there, watching and waiting for their chance. Whatever occurred next, I was certain I wasn’t alone. Ravi’s fast thinking, Leona’s passion, and my own tenacity had transformed a potentially tragic situation into one of vigilance and surprising allies. All I could do now was be watchful and protect my family.