I WOKE UP TO FIND MY FLAG

When the narrator moved into a new neighborhood, hanging the U.S. flag was meant to bring a sense of familiarity. But one morning, the flag was stolen, leaving him feeling isolated and disheartened. The next day, he found a handwritten note and a \$20 bill from anonymous neighbors, acknowledging the theft and urging him to buy a new flag, reassuring him not everyone in the neighborhood was the same. Soon after, a second anonymous note warned him to be cautious. Though unsettled, he continued settling in, meeting a new neighbor, Walter, who offered help and mentioned minor neighborhood troubles.

Later, the narrator met a boy named Darius, who revealed that local kids had taken the flag as a prank. Instead of confronting them, the narrator left a note encouraging them to make things right. The next morning, the stolen flag was returned with a written apology. The narrator realized that the experience was more about understanding and community than the flag itself. Over time, he formed genuine connections with his neighbors, and his sense of belonging grew. He suspected Walter played a quiet role in guiding him. The story highlights how trust and grace can transform strangers into neighbors.