A Simple Hug Gone Wrong

I was recently harassed when I was out of town visiting my daughter, Dawn. While she was at work and I was walking around downtown, I was harassed by a homeless man. He started by asking for a hug. I thought it couldn't do any harm, and I felt sorry for him, so I obliged. Then it got weird. He started reciting strange apologetic statements in my ear, as if to make amends for a past wrongdoing. I was startled by this, and tried move away, but he wouldn't let go of me. He kept calling me his angel and telling me that he was in love with me. Somehow I convinced him to go inside the nearest grocery store, where I wrestled free and got help. Security was called, and the police escorted me out of there. I have a small bruise on my arm from his grip.

I used to think, because I'm not a young, hot woman, that I wouldn't be a target for this type of act. But today I see things differently. Harassment isn't about desire. It's about power, and lack of self control mixed in with a little bit of crazy. There is nothing normal or logical attached to the behavior, because it is not rational. A normal person wouldn't even consider it.  When I reflect on what happened today, it doesn't sit well with me that a simple hug could turn into something so violating and unreasonable. All I remember today is how awful it was. The memory of scent is the most powerful.  His breath reeked of booze, and his body odor, like his grip, was strong. I think the man was arrested for drunk and disorderly behavior.