This was written before the recent protests over police brutality, as a comment on the sad verbal (and sometimes physical) attacks on those of Asian ancestry, that were popping up in the news as Covid 19 cases were exploding worldwide. While I can't write about that in the 1st person, I thought I should do something. Now it seems kind of, well, tame to be honest. Even though it's still in draft form I wanted to get it out before more time goes by. Every time I look at it I start editing so I'm sure it will change in the future. One thing is sure, I could use somebody else's opinion.
P.S. This is complete fiction. Thankfully I have witnessed nothing like this.
Awesome
The pharmacy closed at eight which left me only ten minutes
to dash in, grab my medicine and get out while the getting was good. This
wasn’t exactly a great neighborhood to be in, especially in the evening, so
speed was of the essence. Launching myself from my car I clicked the locks
without looking back, laser-focused on my mission to get to the front door of
the pharmacy. A scruffy looking man standing against the wall, wearing a beater
that barely covered his beer gut suddenly yelled “Go back to China you Corona
Virus bitch!” His target was a lady in scrubs and a mask who had just exited the store.
Shocked at his vitriol I skid to a stop roughly ten feet
away from where he stood, instantly torn as to whether I should stand up for
her or just continue on my way. After all, like I said, the pharmacy was close
to closing and I really needed my medicine. I know, it’s a shitty way to think
and I’m ashamed that I had that thought, but I did. Something about being
cooped up at work for eight plus hours a day before going home and being cooped
up for the rest of the day just made me think selfishly. No excuse though.
I couldn’t ignore this imbecile though but before I could
open my mouth the lady spun on her heel and slapped him full on his right
cheek. Stunned, he staggered back a few steps and his countenance changed from
angry to bewildered to pathetic all in less than a second and yes, it was that
rapid but also that clear. This was not the reaction he had sought. His eyes became
moon sized and he sputtered ”You you you can’t do that.” In a clear Okie drawl
she yelled back at him “I was born here jackass! And not all Asians are from
China just like not all Spanish speakers are from Mexico! Get a clue!” Right
then and there a huge, sloppy grin popped onto my face.
She hadn’t needed my assistance at all. Maybe she was fed up
with the crappy treatment towards those of Asian descent that exposed yet
another side of the racist underbelly of our society. Maybe she was just tired
and wanted to get home after a hard day. Or maybe she was a strong woman who
didn’t take crap from anyone, least of all a racist prick attempting to
confront her. I’d like to think it was the last one.
When it was clear that the poor excuse for a man was
sufficiently cowed she spun on her heel and walked straight towards me. Her
eyes were smoldering as they focused on my personage, perhaps in expectation of
another imbecilic attack. Instead, she received an ovation. All I could say was
“You are so awesome” in a voice that did nothing to hide my awe and admiration.
Seeing I was no threat she continued on and I could swear she had a twinkle in
her eye as she replied” Damn right I am!”
Written and Published by Don Leach.
May not be used without permission from the author.
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