I saw him get off at the bus stop & did not pay much attention. I realized a had forgotten something at home and so I headed back. I had enough time to catch the next bus and still be on time. As I was walking home I heard footsteps. Something about them sounded unusual, the cadence maybe. I turned around and saw it was him. My heart and mind started racing. He doesn't live in this neighborhood. Its 5:30 in the morning. I yell why are you following me. He makes a sound and picks up his pace. I start to run he chases behind me. As I try to determine my escape I overwhelmed with the possibility of experiencing another assault. Having to fight. Having to process the terror again. I run faster. I find somewhere to hide and stay there for what feels a lifetime overcomed with fear. I finally find the courage to go to my apartment. I want to cry but know if I do that's the end of my day. I have to finish this grant. I have to take a test. I don't have the capacity to deal with this right now, and honestly my tears would be cumulative from other moments where I had to escape and move on. I saw him two more times that week he followed me each time. The last time I was able to find a police officer. That was a few years ago. I saw him last month- I would be lying if I said I wasn't overwhelmed by anxiety and fear..
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He pulls out a wad of money and says, "All I need is 15 minutes." I'm confused at first. Like my mind needed a moment to process it all. I look at him and say "Are you crazy?!?" He walks away towards his next victims. They leave with him.
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He slows down. Rolls down his window to ask if I was on my way to school. I respond, "No, I'm adult!" Speeds off.
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J.R. bought me a stun gun and pepper spray. He said he worries about my safety and not always there to protect me. A few weeks prior while running an errand for him there was incident. I went to pick up his mail and while leaving this truck slowed down. The guy yelled, "Do you know how to duck?!?" I walk faster and pretend I did not hear him. He screams, "if you don't your head might get blown off." I am paralyzed with fear not sure what will happen next. He drove off. I ping my location to J.R.