Nick Ha stood in front of the door. It looked taller up close, somehow. He turned his head and looked at the cloudless sky, and the way the sun shone off the concrete walkway like fresh snow. Nearly blinding.

He turned back to the door. Cool, dark stone and ancient timber beams framed the little porch. It was far too dark for how bright the day was, just a few feet behind him.

The sounds of a busy afternoon failed to reach Nick’s ears over the imposing silence echoing around the little alcove. He reached for the doorbell with one quivering hand.

A low chime reverberated through the house. It reminded Nick of some kind of horror movie, as if he had just summoned some horrifying abomination. Long after the echoes had dissipated, he felt the vibration in his chest rattling between his ribs.

A shuffling noise came from behind the door. Nick watched in slow motion as the doorknob turned, and the massive wooden door noiselessly swung inward. A rush of cool air poured across Nick’s bare legs, only adding to the chill already rushing up his spine.

A woman appeared behind the door, wearing yoga pants, and a sweatband across her forehead. She was holding a package of 100-calorie Nabisco cracker thins. She didn’t say a word.

Nick licked his lips. “Sign here, please.”

She took the electronic clipboard, halfheartedly scribbled on it, held the package of crackers between her lips, and grabbed the box out of Nick’s hands.

Nick turned and squinted into the sun, where his big brown truck waited for him. Yes, shipping is serious business.