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It was that fateful day that taught Martha the need to fend for her life. It was broad daylight and she was on her way to her best friend's house. Tired of the usual
monotonous route, she decided to take a short cut through the back lanes of the housing estate. The lanes were narrow and dark even in the day because the aluminium roofs of the houses shaded the small backstreet paths.
Martha did not expect anything to happen to her during the day so she carried on walking calmly. She walked past a smart-looking man in jogging
attire. Martha was not suspicious because she thought that he was just someone on his daily jog around the estate. Besides, he looked
decent enough. Suddenly, a creepy feeling swept over her as she realised that he was following her. Before she could run, he grabbed her from behind and pinned her against the wall. She was too frightened to scream.
She struggled for a while. Panic overcame her as she thought of the consequences. But just as suddenly as he grabbed her, he released her. Some school children were using the backstreet as a short cut too. She took that chance to scramble from her place, running faster than her legs could carry her.
That incident made her realise that the art of self-defence was crucial. She signed up for Akido lessons the next day. Should the incident repeat itself, she would be ready. |
