The Neighbor's Visit as the doorbell rang, Jacob was jolted awake from the couch

The neighbors visit as the doorbell rang, Jacob was jolted awake from the couch.

Dazed, he pulled himself up, waiting for a second ring to confirm he hadn't imagined it.

At 18 and freshly graduated, Jacob was in that nebulous phase of life deciding whether to dive into work or university.

His parents were away on a two-week trip, leaving him alone to ponder his next move.

Another chime echoed through the house.