a protector

I heard a story from a woman. She went down an alleyway to sleep on the streets. It was the first night she ever had. Inexperience can be blood in the water. If it becomes clear you don’t know what you’re doing - creatures may start circling.

A man came down the alleyway - he knew what he wanted.

There was an older man sitting on a nearby bench who used to be in the armed forces.

“Leave her alone! Get out of here!” the older man yelled.

Daring to get in the way earned that older man a bruised and bloody face.

I saw the bruises and blood the next day. To me, I saw it as a greater badge of honour than any medal.