You’ve got cameras now, you’re aware of the threat. We’re increasing patrols in the area too.”
“What about Ravi?” I asked. “Should I talk to him?”
“If you see him, yes.
But be careful. We don’t know if he’s involved or just an observant bystander.”
As if on cue, I spotted Ravi pulling up to my neighbor’s house. “He’s here now,” I said, moving to the window.
Leona joined me.
“Go talk to him. I’ll watch from here.”
I stepped outside, my pulse racing. Ravi was just getting back onto his bike when he saw me.
“Hey,” I called out, trying to keep my voice steady.
“Got a minute?”
Ravi hesitated, then nodded. As he approached, I could see the tension in his shoulders.
“Look,” he said before I could speak, “I’m sorry about yesterday. I should’ve said something, but I was scared.”
“Scared of what?” I asked, though I had a pretty good idea.
Ravi glanced around nervously.
“After I parked, I saw these guys messing with your trash. They looked not good, you know? I wanted to warn you, but I was afraid they might still be around.”
I was so relieved.
“That’s why you left the note?”
He nodded. “Yeah. I’m sorry if I freaked you out.
I just didn’t know what else to do.”
“Ravi,” I said, my voice thick with emotion. “You might have saved my family. Thank you.”
His shoulders relaxed a bit.
“Really? You’re not mad?”
I shook my head. “Not at all.
In fact, I owe you big time.”
As Ravi drove away, I felt grateful but also a little afraid. The threat wasn’t over, but at least now I knew we weren’t facing it alone.
Back inside, Leona was on her phone, talking in hushed tones. She hung up as I approached.
“We’ve got some leads based the description Ravi gave us ,” she said.
“We’ll catch these guys, Nora. Just stay vigilant.”
That night, after tucking Kai and Isla into bed, I sat in front of the new security monitors. The cameras showed empty streets and quiet yards, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that somewhere out there, someone was watching, waiting for their chance.
I thought about Ravi’s quick thinking, Leona’s dedication, and my own newfound strength.
Whatever came next, we’d face it together. For now, all I could do was watch and wait, grateful for the unexpected allies who’d helped keep my family safe.
What would you have done? If you enjoyed this story, here’s another one for you about neighbors who installed a camera aimed at a woman’s garden, but she taught them a savage lesson without going to court.
