It was just another Monday morning walking to work, or so I thought. I lifted my head from my phone and spotted two persons that I often see on my trek to this school. One of them was a part-time student which means, she was not dressed in uniform (let's call her Sue-san) and the other, who is usually on a bicycle, appeared to be her boyfriend (let's call him John-san).
They are usually quite chirpy and clingy but today was different. Approaching their direction but still at a distance, I sensed some amount of hostility. I slowed down as I observed what was unfolding. I stopped. Stopping gave me a clearer vision and the chance to weigh the situation properly.
Yes, John-san was indeed doing what I first thought he was. He was "man-handling" Sue-san who attends the school at which I work. I had not officially met her yet, but still, I slowly moved towards them. During this split moment, she managed to snatch her school bag from the basket on his bicycle; he was using his bicycle to block her path as well as he had confiscated her bag so she couldn't leave.
"Daijobu?" ("Is everything okay?"), I shouted as I moved in whilst still assessing the situation and searching for any hint of defense that he may be able to put up.
He turned around, looked at me, mumbled something in Japanese and then flashed his hand in a "this is none of your business; stay out of it" manner. Ignoring his blatant disregard for my presence, I walked past him and went around to Sue-san who was shaking and in tears. She was now my only concern. At that very moment, even my own safety slipped my mind. I took her hand; locking my fingers tightly around her palm as a way of showing her that it was okay.
As I attempted to walk away with her, he turned and used his bicycle to block our path.
Now, remember, I do not speak Japanese and I am sure his English was basically non-existent but he was gonna "learn today". My blood started boiling.
"Excuse me!", I said sternly looking him dead in the eyes and using my body to shield Sue-san.
With a grin on his face and lightly placing his hand on my upper arm, in an effort to prevent me moving forward and....just enough for the wind not to pass through, he questioned,
"Nani?" ("What?")
"DO...NOT...TOUCH ME!", I gave out sharply.
"Nani, nani?", he teased as he continued to block our path with each step that I took. By this time, we were in the middle of the road as I was adamant that John-san wasn't going to put his hands on this girl, not while I could do something about it.
Now, I about had it.
"Touch, DAME!!" ("Touch, STOP!!")
Realising that I wasn't backing down and that a car was advancing, he eased off a bit. Still holding her hand firmly, I led the way to school. John-san was in front of us twisting and turning on his bicycle in hopes that he could do some intimidation.
A few feet further up the road and we came across a Japanese teacher who was doing his usual morning circle around the area. I walked up to him and John-san followed. I tried conveying, through gesturing and broken English, what had transpired. Based on his demeanor, I could tell that John-san was also filing a complaint about the "rude foreigner" who just "butt" into his business with his girlfriend.
Gaining some amount of understanding and realizing that John-san didn't know who I was, the Japanese teacher shut him down immediately and I assume, told him that I was a Sensei (teacher). With that, Sue-san and I continued to school. As soon as she was out of John-san's sight, she showed her appreciation for what I had done for her. I could tell how relieved she was.
"Arigatou gozaimashita." ("Thank you."), she muttered while still clinging to my arm.
"Daijobu." ("It is okay.")
I placed my hand across her back and gave her a side-way squeeze.
I reported the situtation to the Vice-Principal and the school took it from there. At the end of the day, when I inquired about her, I was told that she was okay and that the school had contacted her parent(s).
I only hope that she will be alright and that she won't have to deal with something like that again. But still, I think that he is going to stalk her as based on my observations made over the weeks that I have seen them, he usually follows her to school in the mornings. But luckily for him, I will also be walking to school, in the mornings.
Later that day, my coworkers expressed their concern about my safety when going home (which I didn't even stop to think about afterwards....hmmm). And one of them offered me a ride to an appointment that I had scheduled after work.
How well can our children protect themselves?
Would you put yourself in harm's way to help someone else?
The latter, I certainly answered today, even to my own surprise.
So, tell me, how are you making a difference?
Love Always,
