One night after a dance class, I went to Walmart. As I left, I noticed a man walk into the store. He had ragged, torn jeans and muddy boots and was wearing a white tank top. It was pretty chilly outside. I was walking to my car, but I heard someone following me. I thought it was just someone else leaving, but I turned around to see that same man following me. I started walking faster. My heart was pounding and my hands were shaking nervously. I was afraid that he was going to grab me or attack me. He said “Gettin’ cold sweetheart?”
That was enough to make me burst into tears. I was scared to death. I replied “No, I’m fine.”
Then I practically ran to my car. It took me several tries to get the key into the door to unlock it since I was shaking. Once I got in, I drove home; probably 20 miles over the speed limit. I was hyperventilating. Scared to death. Since that night, I don’t go anywhere alone at night. I’m afraid to go pump gas into my car at night, I don’t go to Walmart late at night, and even during the daytime, I watch my surroundings constantly. That experience changed my life. I am afraid always, even if I am surrounded by friends or my boyfriend.
– Rachel B.
Location: Georgia
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