By Mark Reels
As the boys passed Stephen, they didn’t speak or break stride. They never even looked at him. He was just someone on the way to school, weak and alone.
They slapped him on the back of the head and pulled the book bag from his shoulder. For a moment, they felt strong and in control.
Stephen got to his feet and felt the gun’s weight in the backpack and he continued to school. He wouldn’t play the part of a nameless victim anymore. Today, he would change the script.
When the reporter asked, the boys claimed to have never met him.
Great story, Mark. Our social structure defined by those making the rules, disappears in the face of just going to school. Then our precious children make the evening news and the country wonders why?
Thanks. I used the words role and script to suggest these kids are kind of finding their way by acting “characters” and how that might contribute to this problem because no one remembers the “real” Stephen. They just say Stephen who. Don’t know if that worked.
So much is said in just 101 words. Brilliant and how true.
Thank you!
Great introduction into victimology. Your closing line poses the difficult issue of – attention – and the connections between offender, victim, and intent of the offense. The answer is way beyond 101 words, but you highlight a very ral social issue.
A well thought out story, Mark.
I think the last line nails the story into place, and the crux of the problem. The one word “met” does the heavy lifting. They’re right – they never “met” him. They simply interacted with him in a cruel way. Kudos!