i felt safe.

i'm a young woman living in the heart of a city, specifically a five by six block area that is lovingly referred to as nopa. last night, for the first time in all my years in this neighborhood (three), i felt overwhelmingly safe. around ten thirty at night there was a loud boom and some screaming... it was a car accident. and out we came, over sixty neighbors put on their shoes and bras ready to help. "i'm a doctor!" "i called nine one one already!" people shouted. in numbers we gathered, some to make sure it was safe, but the rest because we were all curious and wanted to be looky loos. of course the woman from the accident who was screaming strange things was quite interesting. especially when she got down on her knees and kissed the sewer. i could have shouted "i'm a mental health professional!" but i restrained myself.

after my fix of watching was fulfilled, i wandered back into the house, relaxed in my cave, and felt gratitude. i felt safe in this little neighborhood as the people gathered. i felt safe knowing that if i were to blow the whistle on my key chain, screaming for help, they would come. we might not say hello every time we pass on our walks, but it's okay. it's worth it knowing that this community is available if i'm in need.