You never know
So, this fella was sitting across from the kid and vaping so I asked him, politely, if he would stop.
He said a few rude things to me at which point I asked the Firecracker if she’d be ok with my fighting him.
After more of the guy mouthing off, the kid started crying.
Me: Stop crying.
Him: What if you get hurt?
Me: I told you before, we don’t ever start fights. But if someone else wants to fight, sometimes we gotta. You can’t just let people hurt you without trying to protect yourself.
As we got off, this older lady took my hand.
Her: Be careful. I know people like that. You could get hurt.
Me: Thanks, ma’am. But I think I’ll be ok.
Her: You never know.
Me: (laughing) Yeah. You never know. One of us will have a bad day. But I don’t think it’ll be me.
Of course, the guy disappeared.
Like I said, everyone’s a tough guy until it’s time to actually be tough.
But the Firecracker and I were out to eat the other night for St. Valentine’s Day and she told me that she and the kid talked after the whole thing.
The kid: I was so mad at him for almost getting in a fight. I already don’t have a mom and he coulda made it so I don’t have a dad.
Her: Do you think your papa would do anything to put himself at risk?
Him: Well, it was stupid. All over some dumb guy. It was all so dumb.
Her: You dad loves you. He’s gonna make sure he’s around a long time.
Felt awful.
Her: (later with just me) You know, it’s not just you anymore. You’ve got to think about him.
Me: I think about him alla time. (thinking) But you’re right.
Her: It’s done. Just remember that he needs you here.
Me: Will do.
The irony of the whole thing is that I so rarely get into these types of situations on my own. I always tell people to walk away from rando confrontations.
Still, when it involves the kid (or the Firecracker) I get overly protective, I suppose.
But he’s right; he’s lost enough in the world.
I’ll try and do better for him.
Location: off to dinner with the Firecracker, Thor, and the NFL Player
Mood: peckish
Music: wherever, doesn’t matter, I follow you anywhere you go (Spotify)
Like this post? Tell someone about it by clicking a button below.