Yesterday I was frightened. I was out on my trundle truck when three young men began shouting at me. Actually I think it was an excess of beer which was shouting at me but whatever it was, I was frightened.
The shouting was of the “Give us a lift” variety (with a few personal remarks) which I am quite used to (without the personal remarks) and it is usually friendly but this time it felt threatening. I had no choice but to go very close to them on the pavement (you can’t just cross the street on a TT!) so I just smiled and went past.
Just over a year ago I was coming back from London on a train and I had treated myself to a seat in the first class quiet coach. There was a hiatus and a group of about a dozen young men came into the carriage, being ushered through by railway staff. The lads were all determined to travel first class on standard class tickets and the staff were determined that wasn’t going to happen. The ringleader was wearing a magnificent jester’s hat and suddenly he saw little old me, wearing my dog collar and sitting very quietly hoping they would just go past. He went very quiet and the rest of the group realised he had seen something and they too started to stare at me. Suddenly the leader laid his hand on my shoulder and said, “Aw, bless you Princess!” and off they trotted down the carriage like a flock of well-behaved lambs. I sat and giggled for the rest of my journey.
Most people treat me with courtesy and consideration and in truth yesterday was the first time in five years of using my TT that I have really felt frightened. Don’t worry, I’m OK and shall be out and about trundling again very soon.
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