I often order food when I’m too tired to cook for my kids. Our regular delivery guy, Tom, had become part of our routine — always cheerful, joking with my little ones before leaving.

But one evening, he acted strange. He looked pale and nervous, barely made eye contact, and handed me the bag before rushing back to his car. Confused, I brought the food to the kitchen — and that’s when I saw it.

On the back of the bag, in shaky handwriting, were the words: “Don’t go outside. Check your backyard camera — or install one now.”

My heart pounded. We didn’t have cameras, but I grabbed a broom and went to the backyard anyway. When I lifted the trash can lid, I froze. Inside was a small black phone, still recording — a red light blinking. Someone had been watching us.

The police later told me there were signs someone had been sneaking through the fence. Tom had seen a man lurking near our yard days earlier and left the note to warn me.

I installed cameras the next morning. The man never came back.

Now, every night when I check the footage, I think of Tom — the delivery guy whose quick thinking may have saved me and my kids.