There was an unexpected detour on my way home from work tonight. I was on the phone with my mom, a nearly nightly occurrence.
“Gotta go,” I said.
Three girls, probably Quinnipiac University students, were walking down Whitney Avenue. Two were in the road. I couldn’t believe it.
Over the past few years one girl has died and others have been struck walking past darkened shops and stores on this poorly lit 4-lane suburban road.
I saw them early and slowed well behind them. There was a car in the left lane. I had to stop while he passed and then pull left. Up ahead I saw a police car pulling into a convenience store’s parking lot. I headed toward the car.
I stopped the young cop as he was walking into the store. “I don’t want anyone to get hurt,” I told him. “All I can think of is my daughter.”
It’s true. All I could think of was Stef at college.
To his credit the officer turned from the store, got in his car and headed across the road to the girls. That’s where I lost sight of him.
I’m guessing these QU girls aren’t reading my blog, but if they were… I didn’t want to be a grumpy old man and I hope I didn’t slow down your fun. It’s a dad thing. This is what we do. We can’t help ourselves.