“ given the severity of your circumstances you may find yourself taking risks you wouldn’t usually . with a bit of guidance you may be able to recognize the patterns in this behaviour but overall it may be best you remain vigilant of others around you … ” ———
the doctor should have saved her breath , is what Jeremy thought to himself in these moments . he wasn’t a ragefull person . not in all his years ; rather his mother often would tell him how gentle of a soul he was as she dabbed a soft rag to his split lip . how she admired his smile and big green eyes glistening with joy in the face of the life they led . that smile he kept even past the day his little sister went missing . on and on until … ‘87
one may say it was a blessing . the way he no longer allowed the kindness to turn him into a doormat . standing up for himself where through the years his friends would stand at his place defending him with proud chests and curled fists . he found a fight for himself . in a momentary deep breath , he needn’t think about what he was doing and the shouting came . the fists .
such was the same that night .
a shift coming to a close , Jeremy would sit outside and await the arrival of the night guard . to hand over the keys and inform Mike of the day that just came to a close . often taking that rare time to see his friend for the few minutes between their shifts . to wish him luck . knowing he would need it .
he heard the laughter first . then came the taunting .
two men nearly twice his size , but about his age passed behind the establishment . the smell of alcohol recognizable from even where the bottle blonde sat . shouting complete nonsense to one another . Jeremy tilting his head down to avoid making eye contact with them . he glanced to his watch , and his foot bounced against the metal step .
“ y’hear me ? hey ! blonde i’m talkin’ t’ya . “
Jeremy’s eyes glanced up and without thinking he uttered a very sharp “ what . “
a bit of laughter escaped the men . hands up in mock surrender . muttering incoherently once more about Jeremy’s attitude .
he wouldn’t even remember what the tipping point was .
rather , he was on his feet staring down who men twice his size and muscle weight just about ready to pounce . the risk of not just walking away not even a passing thought in his mind . he could be killed . and such was apparent when one flashed the sharpened edge of a pocket knife his direction , warning him to back away .
it was worth the risk ; his anger told him . hands balled at his side - the first swing began .
and fell short at the hand upon his shoulder . body whipping around and making eye contact with the person connected to said hand .