Trust

I’ve often wondered if I’ve ever been in the presence of a murderer or some other really bad character and I didn’t even know it. I have pretty strong intuitions that I try to pay attention to but I’ve wondered if you can push that down for the sake of being polite or helpful. I’ve wondered if I’ve ever been in danger but then something changed quickly and whatever plan this horrible person had in mind was thwarted by something and all the while I had no idea.

Last night I went to the movies alone pretty close to my house. It’s a smaller theater so there weren’t many people in the movie with me and the staff was limited. After the movie around 10:30 I got up to leave and I was the only one leaving. I know they have reclining seats but come on guys, it’s time to go home. So I left alone. As I walked out in my sweatpants and winter coat I was approached by a man. I was uneasy instantly and as I looked around there was not a soul in sight. He came up and asked if I worked there, I said I didn’t and quickly went for the door but I could see his reflection right behind me. If you’re looking for an employee you’re going to go find one, not walk right out immediately. I could feel something was wrong and I walked as fast as I could to the parking lot hoping to find people milling about. Again, not a soul. Empty parking lot with closed businesses. The feeling of something evil lurking was palpable. I searched my pockets for anything I could use as a weapon but all I had were keys so I grabbed on and walked faster. I finally reached my car and started to get in when he went behind the car next to me where I couldn’t see him. Just as I was about to close the door he popped up closer and asked what movie I saw. I shut the doors quickly and locked them and got out of there as fast as possible. As I watched to make sure he didn’t follow he just sat there in his car without moving.

I’ve been in plenty of situations alone with weirdos that can make you uneasy but this was different. I could feel the intentions and I know I’ve never been closer to real danger than that. It scares me to know that just because your body can feel things like that coming it doesn’t mean you’re safe. What could I have really done if he attacked? We take it for granted that we’re safe and something like that could never happen but it can, and does everyday. I’ll be safer next time with some kind of weapon, pepper spray, pocket knife, or a fucking AK47.

So friends hopefully you don’t blow this off, let’s all take it as a reminder to trust our instincts and be prepared to kick some predatory ass.