DMGBig Left
I was down in Hollywood last night, walking with my girl from the Pantages over to Musso & Frank Grill for dinner. Up ahead we heard some dude yelling the F-word. "FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK! FUUUUUUUUCK! FUCK YOUR WORLD! FUCK YOU PEOPLE'S WORLD!"
Then I saw him coming our way down the sidewalk: young, big, shaved head, shirtless, bad tattoos across his chest. But he wasn't yelling at anyone in particular. So city S.O.P kicked in: Pretend he doesn't exist. Don't make eye contact, stay relaxed, but be aware.
Once upon a time, I would have simply prayed that he didn't come my way. Last night, I just asked for clarity, and got ready to feed the guy the biggest left hand I could. I reminded myself to go for the first groin or front kick opportunity, then run. Guys like this carry knives.
He kept yelling as we passed each other, and even took an unsteady step nearer (though he was still a good twelve feet away).
Nothing happened. But that moment when he passed out of my peripheral vision gave me quite an adrenaline kick.
I'm really, really glad that the guy didn't get near me. But I'm also really, really glad to have a few options in my toolbox for that kind of situation.
Readers' Comments
I wonder what he could have done for himself if only he:
a) did better in school b) didn't hang out with dead-end friends c) had supportive parents (yes this is the parents are useful assumption) d) gave a fuck about the world
Of course the answer is e) we'll never know
And Eller, he's still young. Might just get himself together in a little while. Here's hoping...