In the wake of all these stories about Danielle Van Dam, Elizabeth Smart, and now Samantha Runion , I am reminded of a time when I felt my own person was in danger.
I don’t know if the man truly was attempting a kidnapping, but he did scare the bejeebers out of me. The story:
I was 11 and visiting my grandmother in Ohio. Just down the block from her house was a small convenience store; I decided to pay it a visit all by myself. I remember walking down the street (they all looked alike) and making note of the Coke machine in view, so I would be sure to take the right street back home.
Unfortunately, 3 streets had that machine in view–all three sides–and I didnt’ realize that until later.
Disoriented, I walked down the wrong street but still kept walking determinedly, knowing I’d figure this out eventually.
During this time, a very greasy looking man in a beat-up pea green station wagon pulled over by me and asked if I wanted a ride. “No!” I barked (as I had been taught to do). He shrugged his shoulders and drove on.
Apparently, he circled the block, because he was soon back, pulled over again, and this time tried “Hey, c’mon, get in the car.” “No!” “I’ll give you a dollar if you get in my car…” “NO!” With that, he threw his hands in the air and drove off. By this point, I’d figured out the way home and hastened my return. I sobbed on my grandmothers arms and was so terrified…I remember taking a bath that night and thinking, I could not be here right now.
Again, I don’t know the man’s intentions…perhaps he just noticed that I was lost and wanted to give me a ride. But the circling back to me, and bribing me with money… ::::shudder::::
Has anyone else had a similar experience?