If You Ask Me

February 16, 2017 - Stranger Danger

So, I don't frighten easy. Most of the time, I am present -- aware of my surroundings, and try not to get lost in my thoughts. I'm not always successful, but I do better than average. Also, I'm not a paranoid person, always on the look out for threats or danger. After the experience I just had, less than fifteen minutes ago, perhaps I should be...

After I picked up the grandkids at school, we drove to the convenience store for treats for them and cigarettes for me. It was really busy and we had to park in the back. We paid for our items, started walking to the car and as we rounded the corner, there were two men standing there. One spoke to me, something to the effect, "Hey, there's someone who knows me." and both of them began walking toward us.

I used the remote to unlock the doors and told the kids to run and get in the car, then turned to face them. The second man said, "Do you have a cigarette to give me?"

It's not like I could lie because there were two brand new packs in my hand. I put one in my pocket, opened the other, handed him a cigarette, then started walking backward to the car. They just kept advancing, the first one asking me question after question, without waiting for an answer. Just stupid stuff like, "Oh, do you like zombies? Did you watch the new show? Was it any good?"

Finally, I made it to the car, hopped inside, then locked the doors and windows while cranking the ignition. I thought I might run over their feet because they didn't move when I drove away.

Aside from following me to the car, they did nothing that could be considered threatening, it was broad daylight, people everywhere, but I was scared spitless! My lips were actually sticking to my teeth!

So, that's my excitement for the day and my heart has finally returned to a somewhat normal rate. Good times, man. Good times.