A hurried note on a delivery bag sent me to the backyard, where I made a disturbing discovery. The message from our regular delivery guy, Ravi, warned of an impending danger, but it was clear the threat was still present.

As a single mom, I relied on food delivery. Ravi, our usual delivery guy, had always been friendly with my kids, Kai and Isla. But last Tuesday, he seemed unusually tense, handing me the food and rushing off without a word.

After reading his note, “CHECK YOUR TRASH CAN,” I rushed outside and found unsettling items in the second trash can—gloves, tools, and a mysterious liquid. Fearing a break-in, I contacted the sheriff, who advised me to stay inside with the kids.

Leona, the sheriff, arrived and confirmed the liquid was corrosive, likely meant for breaking into my home. Ravi had noticed suspicious people around our trash and tried to warn me. His quick thinking, along with my new security system, helped prevent a disaster, leaving me feeling safer yet still vigilant.