dumpster man

yesterday night I was walking home from the station, and although the area is perfectly safe, the block the station actually is on can sometimes creep into sketchville. it was like that last night when I got off the train, a little late, but made later, it seemed, by the fact that there isn't a single lamppost on that block.

I've walked that block a million times, twice a day, actually to and from work, and I don't usually think twice. but it was dark out, and unusual, I was the only person getting off.

the block is a short one, and at the end, the streets are well lit and there is usually some traffic. but there are some large trees on the way, and a couple of walls that lead into driveways. and it was out from behind one of these that what I thought was the dumpster man from mulholland drive lurched out at me.

now I know that it was just a very drunk man. and I've seen plenty of those, and dealt with plenty of them. but I could not care less what his story was. all I know is that I was alone and it was dark and this crazy man came out of nowhere and started grabbing me and even though he wasn't big, and he wasn't hurting me, I couldn't get away and I was really afraid.

we struggled for a bit, and I think I was too afraid to scream. or didn't even think of anything but trying to get away. and as we stumbled across the sidewalk, he tripped on a large root and momentary let go.

I ran.


I know this can happen anywhere, any time. but I really want to get out of this city.