Last Friday, I was punched in the face. Twice.
I realize this story is going to horrify my mother, so I’ll keep it quick.
The DC Metro on a Friday evening is always crowded; last Friday, the riders on the subway car were packed in even closer because they were trying to get out of the way of two young men engaged in a fistfight near one of the doors. The two young men went at each other with no regards for the people around them, pushing through anyone that got in their way.
I’m not usually one to step in and try and stop a fight, but there came a time — after one of the fighting men had knocked over a child on the subway and the other had inadvertently knocked off a young woman’s glasses — when something had to be done, something had to be said. I cautiously walked over to the two brawlers and asked them if they would take their fight off the train, to stop inconveniencing the other riders.
What happened next, happened quickly. I was punched in the face twice by one of the fighters and was pushed against a railing and kicked by the other. By that time, we had pulled in to the next stop and a gaggle of security guards walked into the train whisked the three of us away.
So why am I sharing this story? I didn’t press charges, I didn’t stop the fight, and I sure didn’t learn anything wonderful about the world as I was nursing my bruises on a Friday night — there is little in common here with the other stories I normally tell. I’m sharing this story to remind myself that the events in our life don’t always have to be uplifting, don’t always have to end in cheer and joy, and don’t always have to teach a grand lesson about the world. Sometimes you come away banged up and bruised, and that’s okay too.
I’m sharing this story because not every story that gets told needs to feel like a fairy tale. It’s important for me to remember that sometimes, especially now.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: YOU’RE NOT BATMAN.
Otherwise: very proud of you sir. ;)
my friend got punched in the stomach last week for the same reason Sameer. heartbreaking at the time, but with hindsight your intentions were pure and noble. nothing to be sad about. your bruises will heal but your goodness will alway shine through :)))
Good god, Sameer!
The moral of this story: Don’t try to be the hero or you’ll be punched in the face. Twice. And kicked. Worse could have happened to you and your ability to tell stories could have been taken away either temporarily or permanently.
Glad you’re okay.
The upside: Girls love a guy who’s been punched in the face. Milk it.
Hi Sameer,
I just passed a bizarrely stressful, angry & thankfully short phase in my life when I probably would have reacted very violently, joined the fight, pressed charges, the whole 9 yards. Well, today I would probably still press charges, those bastards.
I totally salute your courage in this situation. Only saddened that no one else on the train car had the gumption to back you up. So there IS a moral to this story If you’re gonna be a hero, be prepared to fight!
[…] Bruised. : i tell stories "I’m not usually one to step in and try and stop a fight, but there came a time — after one of the fighting men had knocked over a child on the subway and the other had inadvertently knocked off a young woman’s glasses" (tags: subway ethics) […]
Can’t believe I’m only reading this now. Are you “un-bruised” now?
The story actually made me smile.
And I have no clue why because I’m sure I would not have smiled if that happened to me….
Keep well bro!
Thanks for the concern everyone. I am a-okay!
Matt — I’m not Batman? That’s just what I want you to believe. Secret identity and all. The tights are in my closet.
Andrea, girls may love a guy that’s been punched in the face, but I’ve only got my sights on one girl right now, and I want to keep both my eyes unswollen and well so I can keep seeing her whenever I can.
Tina, I’m definitely unbruised (well, mostly) now, so don’t worry about me at all. You know me: I heal like Wolverine. :D
you mother is probably very proud…and horrified.
Kia ora e Sameer!
I have always believed that the partition between peace and a hot-blooded punch-up is only skin deep. Good that you’re OK Sameer. And hey, you have a story to tell! :-)
Catchya later
All it takes for evil to prosper is for good people to do nothing. You made the world better than you found it. Good on you. Though I would have pressed charges and let these two idiots know that there are consequences to bad behaviour.