Danger Everywhere

People are always in danger of something happening to them.Bacterias, natural disasters, traffic accidents. Yet we are almost never truly aware of the serious situations we might face. That is probably why, when we do become aware of the potential harm, we keep it well stored in our memory.

In my city, violence comes in waves. From time to time, certain teenage gangs emerge trying to make a name for themselves. Right now, thankfully, none have become notorious, but there was a time when you couldn’t even go out into the street.

My story took place during one of those periods when crime wasn’t so noticeable. During the carnival in my province, two friends and I were heading home after several hours of music and drinking. We dropped one of us off at his house, since he lived near the carnival area.

After passing by a children’s park, we heard a group of older boys call out to ask us the time. From a distance we replied that we didn’t have a watch, to which they answered that we should buy one. Instantly, my friend shot back: “Buy me one.”

And well, that ruined everything. At first we kept walking calmly, until a stone landed close to our feet. I got scared and looked back. About eight or maybe more punks were behind us, running toward us. Fear froze me, and I waited for one of them to catch me. A hostile slap snapped me back to my senses, and the next thing I saw was my friend starting to run.

At once, I began running too. I didn’t stop until I felt no trace of those thugs. I thought that slap wasn’t meant for me since I hadn’t even opened my mouth, but in the end, I got the worst of it. Luckily, those guys didn’t want to chase us too far. I think they just wanted to amuse themselves with our suffering. I’m pretty sure they were drunk as well.

Since that day, I avoid hanging out with loudmouthed friends. I try to steer clear of places with criminal potential, and if someone asks me the time, I just say I don’t have a watch, nothing more. And of course, if another situation like that ever happens again (which I hope it doesn’t), I’ll start the escape operation much faster than I did when I was younger.

Anyway, I don’t think it will happen again, since at my age going to carnivals and other popular parties doesn’t give me the same pleasure as before. I prefer weekend plans or outings to relaxing, beautiful places. And if not, I just stay home watching a movie with my beloved wife.

_{English isn't my native language. Text translated with DeepL}

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