The Bravery of Human Connection - David Spinks' Newsletter
I could sense something was up as soon as I saw the group riding toward me. I knew this group. We didn’t get along. I tried to act cool, biking as fast as I could without looking like I was running away. But Greg, their leader, started calling my name. “SPINKS!” YO SPINKS!!!” His tone sounded almost friendly. Not wanting to look afraid, I stopped. They formed a circle around me with their bikes. “Spinks, we need a favor. You gotta fight Billy”, Greg said, grinning. He had been my bully for most of my childhood. I knew he wasn’t bluffing. Billy debiked and walked hesitantly into the circle. It was an “initiation”. They wanted him to learn how to fight. I said, “Uh, I don’t want to fight Billy.” Greg was prepared for this response. He barked back, “You can fight Billy or you can fight all of us.” Welp. I was terrified. I was sure that even if I did agree to fight Billy, others would jump in. The choice was made for me when moments later, Billy started swinging wildly. His masculinity was
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