Dooley Noted: 11/6/2015
In college, I used to love a certain candy bar.
I was so obsessed with it that I would make drives to certain gas stations to find it.
But one fateful college night, my candy bar would be ruined for life by the man who shared its name.
He was beautiful. I did not see myself as such. And he was at MY apartment – at MY party.
There he was, drinking with me, flirting with me.
I was in heaven.
We did shot after shot after shot. I told him I had to throw up.
He followed me into the bathroom, holding my hair back.
I didn’t see that he had locked the door behind him.
As I revisited the night’s intoxication, he started to take down my clothes.
I pushed him away, saying, “No.”
He proceeded, pinning me down with his weight.
I said, “No.”
I was naked on the floor. He placed his hand over my mouth.
Then a massive pounding appeared at the door.
It was my roommate.
She had seen us go into the bathroom.
“Open this door NOW – before I break it down.”
The boy fiddled for his clothes and opened the door.
She saved me from a lifetime of trauma.
I had put myself in a dangerous situation – even though it was in my own home.
I’ve been very careful with my drinking- and my company- since that night.
And I learned that even modest situations can take a turn.
I’m reminded every time I see that candy bar at a bodega.
Look alive.
Stay sharp.
And don’t just do it for yourself.
Look alive and stay sharp for the people you love that may fall into a similar situation.
As always, it’s your call.
-Dr. Kathy Dooley
