I was shot on a Sunday. It was late and it was hot and I was 21, on my way home from dinner during summer break. I’d rolled the windows down because the breeze felt good. I pulled up to a red light, about half a mile from my home in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. “Yeah!” by Usher was playing on the radio. A silver Toyota Tacoma turned the corner. As it passed me, I heard a pop. Then my left arm was on fire.
It never occurred to me to call 911, only to want my dad. I pulled into the Circle K across the street to call him. I looked at the blood blooming across my blue dress. It was new, and I wondered whether the stain would come out. Then I looked over at a girl standing in the parking lot, talking with two boys. Her wavy blond hair shimmered beneath the fluorescent streetlights. I thought about how I wished I had wavy blond hair like hers.
My dad said to stay put, that he’d come get me. I insisted on driving home. On the way, I apologized to God for the things I’d done wrong in life. When I pulled into the driveway, my parents were standing outside.
My mother cried as she drove me to the hospital. The surgeon said the bullet was small, maybe a .22 caliber, and too deep in the muscle to take out, so it’s still in my arm. They never caught the shooter or came up with a motive.
WHERE I’M FROM, we like guns. They are as much a part of our story as Jesus, “Roll Tide,” and monograms. Even if you’ve never shot one, you appreciate the romance.
That appreciation begins when you’re young. Here is what I remember: November air, stadium lights, cut grass. We cheerleaders would stay after school to practice our halftime routine. On Friday nights, we’d crowd in front of the small bathroom mirrors to touch up our makeup—glitter eyeshadow if it was a big game—and emerge in a fog of hair spray.
Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 - January 2020 de Reader's Digest US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición December 2019 - January 2020 de Reader's Digest US.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
Cookies for Forgiveness
My blowup was half-baked. The apology wasn't
Puff the Magic Pastry
It always rises to the occasion
New Year's Traditions Around the World
1 MOST OF US spend the final seconds of each calendar year watching a nearly 12,000-pound geodesic sphere descend over Times Square in New York City.
Mom's Wall-Sign Wisdom
She never met a plaque or bumper sticker she didn't quote
Protect Your 'Holiday Heart'
This joyful time of year can also be dangerously stressful
Heroes of the Holidays
It's not just Santa Claus bringing the holiday magic this season. As you'll see, he's got elves all over.
The Man Who Looks After His Wife's Ex
For him and his bride, \"in sickness and in health\" meant something really special
How Risky Are Those Holiday Cocktails, Really?
The latest recommendations about drinking and your health
HOW ONE KENTUCKY TOWN SAVED ITSELF
Downtown Hazard had lost its small-town mojo to drugs. Former addicts are helping to bring it back.
Dream It, Do It, Done!
Your bucket-list goals, accomplished