Around 10pm EST on the date of April 3rd 2017, I was physically assaulted by a stranger in the parking lot of this grocery store.
I watched a man get into an argument with his significant other, throw her groceries on the pavement, and take their child, and drive off. I was sitting in a parked car nearby and I felt the need to intervene. I got out and helped this woman collect her scattered groceries as she was hysterical on the phone. She barely acknowledged me as I helped consolidate her things.
It wasn't long before her SO pulled back into the parking lot and continued the argument with her. I was still stacking canned goods and bottled water on the pavement. (I will also note that around this time, someone's great grandfather walked by and loudly commented "SOMEONE SHOULD DO SUMTHIN BOUT ALL THIS!"
The woman's SO turned to me and remarked with profanity that I needed to stay out of his family's business. I kindly reminded him that he was verbally assaulting his his girlfriend in a very public space and that it was now everyone's business. He then informed me that I should "get out", and that's when I told him he should "get his *house* together."
It was around this time that he started punching me in the head. Upon reflection, I think his response was not very diplomatic. I decided that being assaulted by a stranger in the parking lot of a grocery store wasn't what I wanted to do that night, so I started walking away. Our friend disagreed with me and pulled me closer. It turns out he was not done hitting me. We respect the commitment.
Eventually, I made it into the store (I wanted to buy cookies (THEY WERE SO DELICIOUS)). An associate asked about all my bruising and general disorientation. I let them know that there was a very punchy fellow outside. They shrugged it off because usually there is a cop outside to stop the punching.
The cookies were those flaky sugar ones with the sprinkles and super thick frosting. So good. I had a craving for them that night and they absolutely hit the spot. I know this might sound controversial because a lot of people do NOT care for those cookies, but this is my truth.
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