Just out of prison

On a dark, drizzly night off East Burnside Street, I got off the bus to transfer. I was immediately greeted with a "Hey bro!" I met Gabriel, a 25 year old, at a bus stop just off the Burnside Bridge. He asked me for the time, and rather quickly the conversation transformed to him telling me he just got out of prison and was on parole. He showed me his ankle bracelet.

We talked for a long time. He mentioned how earlier that day he restrained himself when he wanted to pummel some guys who called him a retard. He was so proud of himself for not hitting them. We talked a lot about self control and the importance of thinking before speaking. I showed him my tattoo ("fewer words"), told him how I struggle with keeping my mouth shut when I'm with my wife, and we shared some laughs about how difficult relationships can be.

He said God has been so faithful to him. He has never given up on him. I told him the reason I was on the bus was that I was actually headed to church. We laughed some more.

The Same Guy!

Several months ago, I met a Vietnamese man on the bus. He kindly asked if he could sit in the empty seat next to me, and I said yes. After a few minutes, he introduced himself. He rubbed his greasy face, clearly had mental issues, and I couldn't understand a word of English since his accent was so thick. All I could understand was that he loves Subway and he asked me if I had money or if I could take him out for a meal. I said no, and I believe that I ended up getting a rash from him. Not sure.

Last week, I just happened to meet the same guy on bus! I remember him clearly: kindly asking to sit, the rubbing of his face, and most distinctively... the asking for a meal and his love for Subway.

I was actually in a hurry to get to church, since I was volunteering. However, realizing that I packed a few snacks in my back for myself, I offered him some carrot sticks, celery, and potato chips. He refused.

I guess he wasn't that hungry after all.

Male Dominance

Getting off the MAX at the 148th Ave Station, a man slammed a woman up against the TriMet sign. She was screaming and asked me for help. So I made eye contact with her and called 911 from across the street. I kept walking so not to piss the guy off and eventually heard sirens in the distance.

PDA

On our way downtown on the MAX coming from Beaverton, my wife, sister, and I encountered a strange couple. The man was obviously drunk or high, and the woman was so intoxicated or strung out that she was practically passed out or asleep. It was fairly crowded, and they sat down next to people who were clearly uncomfortable.

The wasted couple began making out and groping each other. Massively inappropriate. The dude next to them didn't really know what to do, so he slowly moved to another seat away from them.

An older lady actually rolled up her newspaper and thumped him on the back of the head, scolding them. The man became furious, turned around to her, and started yelling at the top of his lungs, "Don't you EVER f***ing do that again!" He continued to excessively yell at the woman, and everyone was worried that he might be a violent drunk. Thinking that he was going to go over and hit the woman, I attempted to calm the man down by reassuring him that she was going to keep her hands to herself. My wife and sister were not happy that I tried to intervene.

Eventually things calmed down, they quit the (nasty) public display of affection, and got off downtown.