November 30, 2024

Hello. I got permission from my boss to set my tent up in the woods behind the gas station. It's not the most ideal situation, but it's better than nothing. Although being so close to where Duke liked to prowl makes me a bit anxious, especially after the altercation we had the other day. He came into the store drunker than a three dollar bill, and tried to buy more beer. It's store policy that if someone comes in wasted, we don't sell them any alcohol. When he brought his Miller up to the counter I said, “I'm sorry sir, but I can't sell you that.” I locked eyes with him like a matador staring down a bull. 

When he'd finally processed what I said, his face grew that familiar shade of red. “The fuck you mean you ain't gonna sell it to me?” His words slurred like he was speaking in cursive, and the smell of alcohol on his breath was almost overwhelming. “This a free fuckin’ country ain't it?”

I didn't back down. “Actually sir, this is a gas station. And its store policy not to sell alcohol to customers that are already inebriated.” 

He leaned over the counter, getting so close to my face I swear I could see a visible stink cloud when he spoke, “Listen here faggot, you don't have to take my fuckin’ money, but I'm taking this beer.”

I continued to stare him directly in the eyes. “That would be theft, and if you do that, I will have to call the police.” 

He scoffed and stood back up straight, nearly falling backwards in the process. “Call ‘em then.” 

And so I did. He wasn't smart enough at that moment to realize if he didn't leave, he was going to be arrested, and that's exactly what happened. It was quite the ordeal, and part of me found it funny. It didn't take them long to show up, after only a couple minutes of him shouting things he heard on Facebook again, the cops entered the store. He panicked as soon as he saw them, and like a cartoon villain he shouted, “You'll never take me alive!” And started throwing beer cans at them.  As drunk as he was, it didn't take them long to get him on the ground and in cuffs.

The reason I say this particular encounter makes me anxious, is because as they were dragging him out the door, he shouted, “I know where you fucking sleep fag!” That night I moved my tent a little deeper into the woods just to be safe. That was earlier this month and I haven’t heard from Duke since. He hasn't come into the store at all, and my boss said she hasn't seen him around either. I only have to wait 2 more months, and I can move in with Ellis. He's been so good to me and I'm excited to start a life with him. I'm a little bit anxious about it because it's happening a little faster than we'd both like, but I appreciate that he's willing to let me live with him all the same. 

Other than that, not much has gone on. I miss coffee with my grandma. See you next month, friend. 

• Hope