I raced to my backyard after seeing a rushed scribbling on a delivery bag, where I discovered something unsettling. It was obvious that the risk was still present even though our regular delivery man, Ravi, had left a mysterious note that may have protected my family from something horrifying.
I frequently order takeout as a single mother because I’m too tired to prepare meals for my kids. Ravi, our regular delivery man, developed into more than just a face over time. Before leaving, he would give my kids, Kai and Isla, high fives. He was always amiable. However, something felt off last Tuesday.
Arriving looking abnormally nervous was Ravi. I was confused when, without saying anything, he handed me our dinner and hurried back to his car.
“What is Ravi’s problem?” Kai looked out the window and questioned.
“I’m not sure, friend. “Perhaps he’s rushing,” I shot back, as his vehicle go off into the distance.
Still perplexed by Ravi’s peculiar conduct, I spotted something scrawled on the back of the delivery bag as I placed the meal on the kitchen counter. I read the message right away, and the last thing on my mind was dinner because of the wobbly handwriting.
“VERSION YOUR Trash Can.”
As I tried to keep my cool for my children, my heart was pounding. “Which of you two would like to wash up while I prepare everything?” Sending them out of the kitchen was my suggestion.
With Ravi’s words still fresh in my head, I hurried to the backyard as soon as they left. My hands trembled as I walked up to the garbage cans and opened the first one. Not unusual at all, just our typical nonsense. However, I froze when I opened the second can.
There was an assortment of gloves, several small tools, and an unclear bottle containing an unknown substance inside, all wrapped up in an old blanket. I felt panic take hold of me.
“Mum? Are you alright? My jaw dropped at Isla’s voice.
I snapped the lid closed and gave her a phony smile. “I’m doing great, my love. Just making sure. Enter now, and I’ll be there shortly.
Upon Isla’s disappearance, I promptly contacted the sheriff’s department.
“This is Leona speaking to the Sheriff’s Department.”
It’s Nora, Leona. You must come over right now. Something unsettling was discovered in my trash.
As I explained what was inside the can, Leona’s tone became serious. “Avoid making any contact. I’m heading there. Till I get there, stay inside with the kids.
I hung up, but the worry didn’t go away. Lately, there had been a spate of break-ins in our neighborhood using eerily similar techniques: chemicals to break locks and rigorous evidence cleanup. The prospect of my house being the next on the list gave me a chill.
“What’s going on, Mom?” Kai inquired, sensing my discomfort.
I told him, “Everything’s fine,” but my grin seemed forced. “It’s time for dinner.”
There was a tap on the door right as we were getting settled to dine. I stiffened, but when I glanced through the peephole and saw Leona, I felt relieved.
I said, “Kids, stay here and finish dinner,” and went outside to talk to her.
I told Leona everything that I had discovered in the garbage, along with Ravi’s note and his odd conduct. Her gaze swept across the street as she listened intently.