Jesus Be a Fence
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
There are many times that I’ve felt protected by God: this situation was *definitely* one of those times.
I recently had a really close encounter with domestic violence (not my own domesticity, of course, but some one else’s). It was perhaps one of the scariest events so far here in NYC. I never expected to experience anything like this, and i’d much rather that this be the last time.
Sunday night, Jannine, Nathan and I had dinner at Flor de Mayo and finished off with coffee at Café Lalo’s right around the corner. It was late, but because of the holiday, lots of people were still out. Lalo’s was full of people, the night was nice, and so we decided to just chill a little bit on the bench outside.
We had been there for about 15 minutes when a couple (a huge guy and a small, pudgy woman) rounded the corner. All seemed normal...until he SHOVED HER. She stumbled forward, but he had already grabbed her arm and was dragging her into an apartment building, where he smashed her into the door to let them in. There they continued to fight in the vestibule, between the outside glass doors and the inner doors.
I have no idea what they were thinking. It was a VERY public space, and he was already showing signs of being physically abusive. I couldnt’ believe what I was seeing. I mean, WHO DOES THAT?!? She tried to exit the building several times, but he either blocked her out or smashed her in the door when she tried to leave. All three of us were freaking out by then. I my phone at her, indicating that i would call the police if i needed to. That did NOT have the desired affect. She started egging her boyfriend on. “All these people are watching. I don’t give a f*** what you do!”
Then they started tussling. She grabbed onto his clothing, and he started beating her in the head. I ran up to the door (stupid me!) and just stared dumbly, like i was going to do something. Jannine and Nathan yelled at me to get back. In my mind, i was trying to prevent him from killing her--he wouldn’t DARE if there were witnesses, right? Not so. Apparently, neither of them cared so much. :(
Finally, i pulled out my cell and called 911. I have never done that before for any kind of non-medical event. I was so scattered that I couldn’t even answer the operator’s question of, “What borough?” ("What’s a ‘burro’ go to do with anything right now?!?") I finally managed to tell her where i was, but at that moment, the couple busted out of the door. I hadn’t even noticed. And there I was, still standing at the foot of the stairs, all exposed.
The woman took off, but the man lumbered up to me and shouted, “I know you’re not f***ing calling the cops!” And then he took a back-hand swing at me. I don’t think he was trying to hit me, but i instinctively put my arm up to block, and he connected. I didn’t move, i didn’t look at him, i just stayed on the phone. “Ma’am, was he talking to YOU?” Yes, yes he was. “Are YOU the one fighting?” No, i’m just an observer.
Nathan, as soon as the guys stepped toward me, jumped to his feet and came to my defense. The guys looked at him and sputtered, “What the f*** are YOU gonna do?” or something to that effect. Nathan just stared him down. The guy took off, following his woman-shaped beating-toy.
This exchange took minutes, but I was shaking uncontrollably, like a shiver, but it wasn’t cold. We took a cab home just in case that guy had any ideas of following us home or jumping us on the way there. I was shaking with anger that anyone could do that to another person. When i finally got into my apartment, i slammed the door shut, did up the two deadbolts, and slid the chain. I was so scared. I began to cry uncontrollably for the next 2 hours, because all of a sudden, i realize how bad it could have been tonight.
He could have attacked for real, not just swinging to intimidate. He could have had a weapon and used it on us. There are a million scenarios that don’t end nearly as well as our did. I guess i realized my mortality at that moment. And yet, what was i to do? Run away when someone was getting beat down? I will NOT be a tool of group apathy. BUT next time, i think i’ll hide when i call 911.
You can read Nathan’s account here in his post about it on “Black Red Yellow".
Thank God for protection.
Wow. I just happened to stumble upon Nathan’s blog yesterday and read his account. I wondered if that was you.
I’m glad you are okay!
You’re very brave, Kat. You did the right thing in the face of danger.
Posted by laura on 07/06 at 07:31 AMok kat, your account of the story was WAY more frightening than mine. you have my heart pounding and i’m shaking all over again.
i’m just glad we made it out ok.
Posted by BRY on 07/06 at 10:46 AMI’m just glad you’re okay.
Oh, and be careful carrying your iPod around too!
http://www.usatoday.com/news/nation/2005-07-03-teen-ipod-death_x.htm?csp=34
::sigh:: Jesus needs to be coming asap
Posted by Datchan on 07/06 at 06:04 PMTouch MY sister?! Why. . . I’ll come down to NY and show him! I’ll write nasty quirky things on his door. . . pee in his mail slot. . . and probably get arrested for doing those things.
Seriously, Kat, I’m so glad nothing happened. You know I pray for you being out there to be safe and since I’ve visited, I thought NY wasn’t such a scary place to be. Compared to Riverside. ;) And thanks to Nathan for stepping to help you. You’re so lucky to have friends out there to help you. Thanks Nathan!
And don’t worry, if the need comes. . . I’ll be there to pee in the guy’s mail slot for you.
Posted by on 07/06 at 09:41 PM