About thirty years ago, I drove from my house in Alabama to my sister's house in Memphis. I was exhausted from the long drive. I was on autopilot, navigating the last portion of my journey through Memphis. I went to her door and gave two little taps before opening the door and stepping inside. I looked about and wondered about all the new furniture, not at all my sister's style. And, there were no birds, no cat, no dog. Then, as I moved further into the living room (ten feet), I could see a strange woman bent over a bed, making it.
At that moment I remembered my sister had moved. I was in a stranger's house and very afraid. I backed away toward the door, hands up, apologizing and saying my sister used to live here. She advanced slowly and I hurried backward and got out of her home.
I was shaken. Who knows if she had a gun at hand as my sister did back then. Who knows if there was a husband behind her or hearing all this in another room. I counted myself lucky not to have been shot. 35 years ago.
Many times, I have approached a white Malibu like I drove. I have tried to use my keys and one time actually did unlock the door. Some cars were open and I have opened the passenger door and driver door before noticing the car had different things inside. I have quickly sat in the car, confused.
One time, I was standing by the driver door, fumbling in my purse for keys. A woman stood about ten feet and away and asked me what I was doing to her car. She seemed scary. I backed away mumbling I thought it was my car. She actually got into her car and followed me to see where I went--to a white Malibu just like hers. I could have been shot.
These 2000 white Malibu were rental cars. I forget which company. They were all over the road, parking lots and very dependable vehicles. They lasted a long time. So, I was always confused. 2002 to 2018
It was late, not quite dark, when I turned into a driveway thinking it was the next road off the highway. Of course, when I drove a bit off the road, about twenty feet, I realized there was a long driveway and house, not a road. Immediately, a man came onto the porch, followed by another and then another. The first man demanded to know what I wanted. I told him I made a wrong turn and just needed to turn around to back out onto the highway. The way the men stood and the grim looks on their faces frightened me. They demanded to know my name and what street I was trying to find. Thankfully, I knew the name of the street. I was rattled after their aggressive behavior. I could have been shot. 10 years ago
With all that has been in the news this last week or so, I have been reminded of how frightened I was in the past doing similar things, all innocent. I think the world has become more threatening, scary, and violent.
Can you relate to similar actions you have taken, innocent as these people did? Have you gone to (or into like I did) the wrong place? Have you gotten into the wrong car? Have you turned into the wrong driveway or private drive? Did any of these things frighten you? Or, have you done anything similar and been threatened or felt threatened?
