Author's Note: I am posting this because I made a promise to someone who helped me out big time. It's not the best work, but I feel I got my point across quite well. It's rated R because there are a few words that I'm not sure are allowed in the pg-13 rating. Thanks for reading! 

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The knowledge is at every turn.

It’s one nugget of truth that our parents are most eager to tell us, and yet it makes them sad to let us know.

But that’s kind of the point. Knowing. It all comes down to that.

Knowing that, while walking down the street, every car that passes you is one that could slow down and snatch you. Every guy that walks past or behind you could grab you, rape you, kill you, or rob you. Or all of the above. Every girl that passes is also a danger in the same way. Even when you’re not alone, or you’re inside, anyone is a danger to you. Every person is a threat. Every car is a threat.

But, finding yourself stranded in a strange store, merely a street from your hotel but unable to walk back because the walk there nearly got you snatched, you discover that there is some hope in humanity. For, while every male out there is a threat, getting to know the friendly male workers while waiting for four hours for three cabs that are never coming; you find a rare companionship and slivers of compassion.

A kind lady, clearly very aware of the world as it is, stopping on her third dash out of the store, to ask if you were okay, if you needed help or a ride since she had seen you standing there for the last three hours. Or the elder of the workers, offering to walk you back after his shift, but only if you’re comfortable with it. Even if that means he’ll miss his bus. Or, finally, the kindred soul you found in the other worker. A young man from the same area as you, doing quite well for himself. Discovering himself in this strange world of knowledge we find ourselves in. A musician and a philosopher. A go-getter and an easy-goer. A young man who knows what he has to do to get to where he’s not sure yet but he knows he’ll be able to get there when he does. Offers a free ride home, jokes and laughs with you, all the while you’re half alert, ready to defend if need be, but thankful that you might have found someone that isn’t a threat.

And then you’re climbing out of the car, in front of your hotel, safe and sound and offering one last round of thanks and a final offer to pay but in return, all this young man, this fellow comrade, says is “Nah, I’m good! Just promise me you’ll write a story about this. And make me look cool.” So, you do. Smiling while shaking at the memories. Because, while it’s one of the scarier nights you’ve experienced, it’s also one of the most hopeful too.

It’s nothing new to know that you’re nothing but prey in the eyes of many. But it’s nice to be reminded by someone other than yourself that you are seen as a human being and a friend as well. And, perhaps, that is what our parents should impart upon us after ingraining in us the sad, terrible truth.

Be cautious. Be alert. Never trust easily. Watch who’s around you and what’s around you. Carry something to defend yourself at all times. Don’t talk to strangers.

But, remember that what you’re seen as does not ever have to be what you are. And, sometimes, reaching out to a stranger is the best way to see yourself in another perspective.

The overall point of this is really to make Tracy, the dashing, intelligent, and compassionate cashier, look cool. ‘Cause, he is pretty cool.