“7/8/2026”
My fragments of altruism on a fateful day in July, after an attack on a platform of the Brown Line.
Of the men working construction at the Western Station
one appears - my first responder -
another - then another -
on the phone demanding first aid from the truck
another saying police are on the way
one lays his vest on the bench for me
His quiet eyes are attentive
His presence is strong
handing me antiseptic wipes
taping my mangled leg
one delivers me a bottle of water
they stand around me in a protective shell
torn skirt
bloody shoes
alive