30 Comments

Very nice. I employ a similar technique when engaging sketchy folk. I look the person in the eye and say "Dude, serious question, I gotta know. What's your favorite dinosaur?" It doesn't really scare anybody, but it reworks the interaction.

Expand full comment

Nice build up of tension before the deliciously unleashed dialogue of a 'madman'. The details lure you in, knowledge of the metro, the late hour, the threat. Love it

Expand full comment
Jun 6, 2023Liked by Bill Adler

Funny thing is that this might actually work. It might also get you stabbed, but if you think you’re going to get stabbed anyway then you may as well try to save yourself.

Expand full comment

Our subways are so boring, quiet and orderly, so I cannot imagine being so on guard while boarding one. In light of what happened to that poor man who was choked to death in the subway, your story really hit home.

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023Liked by Bill Adler

Another great little story.

Expand full comment
May 16, 2023Liked by Bill Adler

Man, you write some darn good short stories!

Expand full comment

Cool story, Bill. Nice twist. Felt cyberpunkish with a mix of 12 monkeys. In a good way.👍

Expand full comment

Acting like a lunatic can pays dividends. On another note, I always say that nothing good happens after 10pm. Here's yet another example of it.

Expand full comment
May 14, 2023Liked by Bill Adler

So damn timely with at least one mentally off, now deceased person, in the news. Can't tell you how many times I felt vulnerable on the subway. Talking to yourself works and messing with your hair. Thanks for a great story.

Expand full comment
May 14, 2023Liked by Bill Adler

Yep, this has worked in the past. As a very small female I learned early on to pretend, a lot. A good bluff is worth a lot.

Expand full comment
May 14, 2023Liked by Bill Adler

I'm glad, I was tucked in bed all nice and cozy dreaming of baking bread all night and watching the dough rise higher and higher till I wondered how am I going to get this in the oven! Good read Bill.

Expand full comment