I saw a young black man in his late 20’s to early 30’s with a little boy, probably 10 years old walk towards me. I quickened my pace to “safety”.
Give me something to eat. I am from a homeless shelter and I am hungry.
He shouted from the distance.I felt a wave of remorse. Why did I react like that to a simple plea for help? Have I such little trust in my fellow humans. Why was I scared of this man, who was seemingly harmless? Maybe he had a concealed weapon(this was my sick mind justifying my action). You really can’t trust people these days (my sick mind again).
He could have robbed me…of what? My ID card? Keys to my apartment? The few cereal bars I did not really want? Maybe I should have stopped for a few seconds…but it was dark.
I have gone back and forth in my mind, debating with myself, wondering if my reaction was normal or if I had been a bit paranoid. That said, if I had the opportunity, would I stop by that time of the day? I wish I could say yes, but I honestly don’t know and this saddens me…
