https://discord.gg/zgE2HYuZq The protesters arrived— sticks in hand, masks pulled tight, a storm of noise and certainty. We suited up, stepped outside, wore the uniform of calm and consequence, stood still, absorbed the shouts meant to break us. You threw your voices like stones, hid behind sunglasses, beat drums, blew whistles, gave off heat that felt like hate. You were brave in your way— brave enough to wound a stranger you never cared to know. You took the street, pressed your bodies into ours, swarmed the places we stood guard. You shouted, suck my dick. You yelled, I can’t breathe. You raised middle fingers like flags of righteousness. Way to go— champions of compassion, warriors of justice. It’s good you care about people. It’s good you don’t want harm. And yet— fuck you, protesters. I did nothing to you, but you came to me screaming. I won’t pretend your fury didn’t shake me. I hope your rage burns out, leaving only ash to swirl down the toilet bowl of the world you claim to save. I showed up because I wanted to help. Strangers thanked me for making their nights safer, for standing watch. This is why I chose this path— to protect, to keep harm at bay. But look what you did. You didn’t know the weight of your words. You thought you were righteous, but you were swept up in someone else’s fire. I am angry— but beneath the anger, I am hurt. It breaks me that people can treat another human like dirt. You were young, misguided, convinced you were doing right. But the way you did it— it was wrong. And yes— I wanted you to feel the pain you gave. But I won’t let your cruelty turn me cruel. I won’t answer evil with evil. Martin Luther King Jr. said: You can't beat hate with hate; only love can defeat hate. I’m not over it. But I forgive you— not because you earned it, but because forgiveness is the only way to stop carrying your fire inside my chest. Maybe you didn’t mean to hurt me. Maybe you did. Either way— I forgive you. Goodbye. Have a life worth living. I still remember, still struggle to let go. But I hope you’ve grown into someone who helps, not harms— someone who sees people before judging them for the choices they make.
