Junkie Delusions…

I survived the winter in Central tunnel, though at the time I wasn’t paying rent so bad days were not a huge issue as I had a little leeway, but the biggest concern are the junkies who frequent the area.

One such individual would pass by, stopping to look at the prints and in a quiet voice ask for a picture. No problems, always happy to help someone out with a print.

But then there were the times when he was drunk and high on something, where he would get aggressive.

And because of the visual impact I had, he would focus his attention on me…never a fun moment.

I think over a period of a month, he would threaten to bash me several times with the worst of it being the times he threatened to stab and cut me up for daring to think about his girlfriend (who I didn’t know as I had never seen him with anyone that I recall)

The time I called the police for assistance, the response was less than helpful, advising me to vacate the area as I would be in the wrong if I responded in any way unless he swung first.

Not exactly eager to be stabbed I would avoid the tunnel for three (?) days…not something I could afford to do.

During those days I ran through my options for self-defence, many of which would get me into trouble.

Finally I settled on purchasing a small portable torch the size of my fist. With 16 LEDs, it was very bright, just the thing to use against a junkie, after all, if they are coming at you, they need to see you.

When a couple of police officers wandered past, I would even mention my “defence”…which when the officer took the torch from me to look over, resulted in a dubious look as to its validity for the use I intended.

Sure it was a metal casing, but being the size of my fist, certainly of no use to swing as a weapon (which was the point to operate within the rules regarding weapons for self-defence…specifically, you can’t have any. So no tasers, pepper spray or knives boys and girls) and the tunnel was well lit so of what use is a torch?

Thankfully I have never had cause to use it for defence, though that may be because I have avoided the tunnel for the past few months while the days have been fairly good weather wise (though recently I have been thinking I may need to return as the winter approaches)