I felt like telling them that years ago someone I knew was robbed at gun-point at that gas station. My colleague and his wife were shot to death in this neighborhood in 2008, as well. But, they were having their own conversation.
I got off the bus and decided to continue down the alley which aligns with that particular bus stop. I still didn't have the way to my friend's apartment memorized - it had been 20 years since I frequented this neighborhood. This alley sparked something in my memory, though, so I decided to follow it in hopes some other clues would present themselves.
I walked past the houses in the neighborhood, which was quiet - no one seemed to be out.
That is until, I heard somebody shout, from behind me. "Hi!!!" A male voice, aggressive, questioning.
I turned around and saw several men on the front porch and yard of a house I had passed by about 15 yards ago. I knew if I ignored them, they would probably harass me with more questions, so I simply shouted back "Hi" turned around, and kept walking.
Shortly after that, I saw the spires on the roof of my friend's building, peaking over the houses in front of me. A wave of relief washed over me - I was almost there. I had also been relieved to see a church, with cars in the parking lot, soon after the "Hi" incident.
Church has a whole new meaning in poor, high crime areas - they are safe havens. That is something to keep in mind when the temptation to dismiss religion arises.
