I wonder if you asked a Wawa? I guess it depends how many you need.

You’ll be rubber and we’ll be glue?

Really? I’ve always found it super convenient. Way better than hoping no one crashes into me waiting just off the road. Maybe I’ve just been lucky.

Drug store?

I get the don’t chase. But don’t say his name?

Ugh, this sucks, sorry. I’ve had this happen to me when I lived and worked in Philly. It’s awful and messes with you in a weird way. You did the right thing. Some of these kids are just wild and you truly risk your life if you don’t just try to get out of the situation as quickly as possible. Give yourself some time to process this, and you will feel better. I know it sucks right now, but you did nothing wrong.

This is basically what I used to tell my intro classes. All things being equal, those who study philosophy will be better prepared for whatever they choose to pursue.

I was wondering about your age and sex. It shouldn’t matter, but it does. A bunch of grownups have let you down. Someone should have stepped up in the ways people describe above. I have been in your shoes and the shoes of the kids by the door. It sucks. Sorry.

Maybe time for some people to read some Franz Fanon about some other options besides charity. I’ve completely oversimplified this, of course.

I know, what have we become?