25. Rescue, Ruses, and Rare Steak

"Oh, so you're telling me you befriended a lost kangaroo in the city park?" Jacob responded with a straight face, "Well, not initially, but it's amazing what a bag of gummy bears can do." I scoffed. "Gummy bears? You expect me to believe that?" His reply was laced with sarcasm. "Of course not, Jennifer. I meant gummy bear-flavored ice cream." As we volleyed back and forth, thoroughly enjoying our verbal duel, the doorbell suddenly rang, shattering the whimsical atmosphere that had enveloped us. We both fell silent, and Jacob's voice dropped to a low, cautious whisper. "Did you invite more guests to this delightful soirée?" I leaned closer to the basement door, trying to hear who was at the front door. "No, I certainly didn't. I have no idea who that could be." The doorbell chimed again, more impatiently this time, as if the visitor was growing irritated. With cautious steps, I moved away from the basement door and quietly ascended the stairs to investigate the uninvited guest. J