2 - Don't Talk to Strangers

Do you remember when your parents told you to watch out for strangers? Or when your school told you? I don't.

I do remember being told about strangers and cars, and never being allowed to play in the front lawn. I remember being afraid, always afraid, but always defiant. Wanting the freedom to go where I wanted. I remember not understanding.

There was a convenience store at the end of my block. I wanted to go there by myself to get candy. I walked along the side walk. I imagined what sort of car a stranger would have. It would be large like my grandfather's Lincoln, but the color green instead. The stranger would be wearing sunglasses.

When I thought of it, I always thought of the stranger coming up the street in the wrong lane. On the left side of the road, where I was walking, and I would be surprised when he pulled along side. And he would offer me a cherry sucker with bubble gum in the middle.