You Left Your Phone On

I found the note taped to my front door when I got home from work. STOP LEAVING YOUR

LIGHTS ON. No name. No explanation. I assumed it was a neighbor.

I live alone in a duplex, thin walls, close quarters. Still,

it bothered me. I’m careful about my electricity. I know when my lights are on.

That night, I left every room dark. The next morning, there was another

note. BETTER. My stomach dropped. I checked the locks. All secure.

I told myself it was a prank. Over the next week, the notes kept coming. Always polite.

Always accurate. YOU FORGOT TO LOCK THE BACK WINDOW. YOUR ALARM IS TOO QUIET.