Walking alone
In the dark
The full moon lights the way
Out there on the path
Movement
Something in the distance
Do I need to worry?
Fight or flight system kicks in
Breathing and heart rate quicken
Eyes and mind focus
Can it hurt me?
Fear
Evaluate situation
We get closer
Is it human or animal?
It’s human, definitely human
Man or women?
Adult or child?
Still on guard
Assessing size, shape, height, weight
Any menacing motions?
Trying to decipher intentions
closer still
It’s a man, definitely a man
Where are his hands? Any weapons? Is his gait aggressive? Is he young or old?
Closer
It looks like a middle aged man
Looks unarmed
Seems benign
Feeling more safe
Defense mechanisms relax a bit
Breathe a little easier
Closer
Is he competition?
Comparisons
Is he healthier, wealthier, better dressed, better looking than I am?
Am I less than?
Closer still
Same height, more or less
Same weight, more or less
Same health, more or less
My envy, jealousy, and insecurity can lower their collective voices in my head
For now
Closer yet
I can see some facial features…shape of eyes, hue of skin, lines on face, color of hair
closer
Is he worried, concerned, fearful, hurt, angry, content, happy, or sad?
Just another person taking a stroll alone at night
Like me
Right here
I realize we are the same
One