Money had been tight for them recently.
Melissa had mentioned it more than once.
That was one reason I offered to pay her for helping me.
When I handed her the spare key, she smiled warmly.
“Of course! Have a wonderful trip!” she told me.
I thanked her, hugged Oliver goodbye, and headed to the airport, believing my home was in good hands.
At the time, I thought I was lucky to have such a trustworthy neighbor.
I could not have been more wrong.
The first day of my vacation was perfect.
I slept late, ate breakfast by the water, and ignored every work email that popped up on my phone.
Still, by evening, I missed Oliver.
I sent Melissa a quick text.
“How’s Oliver doing?”
A few minutes later, she replied.
“He’s great! Ate all his food and spent half the morning staring out the window lol.”
I smiled.
That sounded exactly like him.
“Thanks again for helping,” I wrote.
“Anytime!” she replied.
Everything seemed perfectly normal.
The next day, I checked in again.
“Hope Oliver isn’t giving you trouble.”
Melissa answered with a laughing emoji.
“He’s been an angel. Plants are watered too.”
I felt relieved.
Looking back, I realize she was not reassuring me.
