Who Done It.

Well, in the last couple of weeks, my neighborhood (and the surrounding area) has been hit with several break-ins. DUN. DUN. DUNNN.
Here's the story:

The babysitter was over; she had just put the younger kids to sleep.

 *Ding. Dong* The doorbell rang.

It was late; too late. That alone should have tipped me off.

Because it was around 8:30pm, I had already put on my jammies, and was fastidiously brushing my teeth.
With the toothbrush hanging from my mouth, I rushed down the stairs -- I didn't want my siblings to wake-up. Before I opened the door though, I paused for a moment, wondering who would come calling that late at night. That thought/question didn't last too long (mostly because it couldn't be answered until I had actually opened the door and saw who was standing there).

It was our next-door neighbor.
Because we don't exactly get along (e.g: we're the creepy homeschooling family), we haven't exactly cultivated a wonderful relationship. She was the last person who I expected to see, standing on our front porch that night (or any other, for the matter).
However, we are neighbors. So, I did the neighborly thing, and invited her inside. She said she'd rather stay where she was.

So, I stood there, holding the door open nervously, while she spoke to me. Obviously suspicious of something, she kept glancing sideways at her house.
For privacy purposes, we'll call her Neighbor Lady.

Neighbor lady: *shortly* "Hi."

Christine: "Hi. Can I help you with something?"

Neighbor lady: "You were here all day, right?"

Christine: "Actually, I wasn't, sorry."

Entering from upstairs, the babysitter steps onto the scene.

Babysitter: "Hi. Can I help you?"

Neighbor lady: *impatiently* "Hi. Were you here all day?"

Babysitter: "Actually, I just got here. But I think Kelle was."

Neighbor lady: "Can I talk to her?"

Babysitter: "I'm sorry, but she's actually not home right now."

Neighbor lady: "Okay. Well, I see. You didn't happen to notice anyone around my house this afternoon, did you?"

Christine and babysitter both: "Uhh, not really."

The babysitter: "Why? Did something happen?"

Neighbor lady: "Somebody broke into our side window."

Christine: "Wow! Did they take anything?"

Neighbor lady: "No. That's what is so odd — they didn't take anything at all.  If you see something suspicious, let me know."

The Neighbor Lady abruptly walked away.
I finally let the door swing shut — my arm hurt like the dickens.

That night, my mind was racing.
I saw a police car patrolling the neighborhood. I saw the criminal-watch signs. I even saw a suspicious white van, driving around. Surprisingly, I wasn't scared. I knew God was (and is) in control, protecting my family and I. Even my overly active imagination didn't get the better of me this time.

Whenever I see somebody I don't recognize now, I subconsciously ask myself if they are intruders, thefts, bandits, or burglars.

It sure has been an interesting (shady!) couple of weeks. Filled with intrigue, suspense, and drama. 

But I still want to know... who done (did) it!?