25/07/2025
I TOLD HIM I WAS SCARED TO LIVE HERE—AND HIS REPLY STOPPED ME COLD I moved into the area three weeks after my husband died. It wasn’t out of preference—it was simply all I could manage after the bills and medical debt drained every last penny. The rent was low. Suspiciously low. It didn’t take long to understand why. Loud music thumped at all hours. People screamed at each other in the street. Cars flew through stop signs like they weren’t even there. I watched everything from behind nearly shut blinds, clinging to my mug of tea like it might shield me. When I finally mustered the courage to visit the nearby store, I picked daytime hours, hoping it’d be less risky. I made it there and back, cloth bags in tow, but halfway home my legs started trembling. I had to stop and steady myself on the sidewalk. That’s when I noticed him. A large man. Towering. Built like a wall. Ink ran down both arms. He wore a sleeveless top and sneakers that looked big enough to float. He stepped off the curb and headed straight toward me—fast. My stomach turned. I clung to my bag like a shield and tried to keep my face neutral, but I’m sure my fear showed. “You alright, ma’am?” His voice was low, but kind. I hesitated. And then, for reasons I still don’t know, I told the truth. “I don’t feel safe here.” He scanned the street, then looked back at me. “Yeah. You’re not the only one. That’s why I try to make sure people like you don’t have to walk alone.” Without waiting, he picked up one of my bags, offered his arm, and said, “Come on. I’ll walk you home.” We didn’t speak much on the way, but once we reached my steps, I finally asked, “Why are you doing this?” He gave the smallest smile and replied— — — — continues in the first comment 🗨👇