Do The Right Thing

We were hanging out and came upon a red light. I stopped and to my bemusement she wondered why. I was clearly obeying the law, but she convinced me it was “okay” to cross even though it wasn’t a green pedestrian light. I am not easily influenced, neither do I flout at traffic laws, but I listened to her. Why I did I listen to her? I had listened to someone who was surprised that dark skinned people can get sunburnt.

Soon after,I had become a jaywalker that would leg it across if I felt it was safe.

Then one night……

The police motioned me in his direction. There was a young man coming towards me and for some reason, I said to him, “Police.”

He replied, “Where?” without looking behind to confirm. Where had I learnt this? My attempts to communicate with a total stranger was almost synonymous to motorists flashing their headlights to warn others of traffic police ahead.

Though nervous, my legs weren’t shaking, but maybe I was sweating,I don’t even know. 

 A crosswalk separated us. Now within 100 meters of the police, I planted my feet to a halt before the next traffic light; I’d be the best traffic compliant. The traffic light changed fortuitously; but even at a green light, I’d pay attention and look before crossing.I walked up to him and the closer I got , the more he retreated. Perhaps I was nervous, but I think he wanted to maintain physical space.

He explained he was only gesturing for me to cross the road. That was it! I was beyond relieved!

Lesson Learnt: Do not listen to unwise opinions/advice and more importantly, stick to the good you know.