My neighbors and I have always been close—we babysit for each other, share the occasional dinner, and look after one another’s homes when someone is away. This time, they were invited on an unexpected holiday and left in a rush. Shortly after driving off, they called asking for a favor. As usual, I agreed, but their request surprised me: they wanted me to wrap their front-door handle in aluminum foil.

Without questioning it, I soon found myself on their porch, foil in hand, feeling slightly ridiculous. I couldn’t stop wondering why they needed such a strange task done. Was it for protection? A superstition? I tried not to overthink it, but curiosity lingered.

When they returned a few days later, I finally asked—carefully—about the foil. My neighbor laughed and explained it was simply a low-tech security trick. If the foil was torn or shifted, they’d know someone had tried the door. Since it remained untouched, they knew the house was safe. I couldn’t help thinking, “That’s what cameras are for,” but until they install some, this was their method.