On the way back from a pub today I cut through Queen's Park to get home. After I got out of the park, I got the sense that I was being followed by somebody. I wasn't terribly worried, but after a little bit of walking it got pretty irritating. Was this guy going to mug me or just keep following me? So I stopped, turned around, and looked at him.
He was a white guy in his twenties with sunglasses on, dressed like everyone else - jeans and a t-shirt. Sort of skinny, but not emaciated or homeless looking. I could at least do some damage if we got into a fight. I was pretty sure he was just a U of T student out for a walk. Although, oddly, he stopped when I turned around to look at him.
Fine. Whatever. It's not a crime to follow someone down the street. I kept walking. But after some more walking it just got ridiculous. So I turned around and said "Hey buddy, what are you doing?" He flinched, lifted up his hands to protect his face and said "Don't hurt me!"
What? How the hell did I become the mugger in this story? Was I going to be beaten down by the police for scaring white people on a dark night? Confused, I just turned around and kept walking.
But he kept following me. Was this a pick up or a mugging or something completely different? I had no idea. So I turned around again to face him and he raised up his arms to protect himself and yelled "Please don't hurt me! Don't hurt me!"
All I could think to say was "I'm not going to hurt you. You're okay". Then after a second of looking at him I said "Are you alright? Do you need any help?" But he just stood still and said "You aren't going to hurt me?" And I couldn't read the tone in his voice. Was he shocked? Disappointed? Confused? Was this guy like that super villain from the Watchmen who just wanted to get beaten up all the time?
I started walking backwards slowly, still looking at him. He didn't move, so I turned around and walked the rest of the way home. He didn't follow me. I have no idea what he was doing.
One more random mystery in a life full of random mysteries. I can see how these things could end up driving a man mad.
You sure he wasn't looking for sex? Queen's Park is a notorious cruising spot after hours. Maybe he liked your, ahem, style! Take it as a somewhat odd compliment... :-)
ReplyDeletefrom P in J
Ha ha. Okay, it's *possible* that he was looking for sex. But every time we were face to face he just stood there with a totally blank look on his face. And then when I spoke he seemed terrified of me. That doesn't seem like the building blocks of a great sexual experience. Ha. Also, I think I need more clarity in my pick-ups. Which probably explains alot, come to think of it....
ReplyDeleteI also think he was probably cruising, though you would think he'd have got the hint the first time you turned around.
ReplyDeleteWhen he said not to hurt him you should have said "ok but only if you give me $100."
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