It was about 20:45 this evening (9/30/12) and I decided to drive over to the convenient store to pick up some beverages. I go to the store, paid for my purchases and walked out to my minivan.

I got out to my minivan and as I’m turning the corner, a sudden bad feeling came over me. I noticed a truck with some guys sitting in it, windows down (which I found odd, it’s about 45-50 degrees this evening) parked next to my van and the guys were LEERING at me, and making comments about how my car has a Go Army sticker on it. One of the guys said “Oh here she comes.” That there was a little freaky. I pulled my can of mace out of my pocket and carried it in front of me so they could see I was armed (fair warning). I got into the car and they were still talking and leering at me. I turned the key in the ignition and put the van in reverse. To add a little sting I put the high beams on. I drove out of there. I took a different route home. Thankfully this incident didn’t go further than the parking lot.

When I got home I told my mom, who got very worried. I said maybe I should remove my Go Army sticker. My mom said no you worked to get that job you keep that sticker on. I told her while I handled it well and did what the right thing I still felt scared. Tomorrow I’m planning to visit the convenient store to talk with the manager to inform them- maybe they might take a look at the security tapes. But for now, I am going to kick back, enjoy some iced tea and draw.

- Dal

Location: Wilder, VT