My Story

A day in the life of Jovenal Loewen

Scars

On a dark gloomy Saturday night, that happened to be

Friday the 13th, 2002, I at the young, tender age of

13, and ready to become an independent male. During

this particular night, I was enjoying myself with friends

at the beloved MRC, the local hang out for all my pals.

This night was no different from any other except for the

fact that I would be walking home alone. I wasn’t scared,

for I was ready to take man-hood by storm. To me,

strolling home would be like any other time, I’d just

figured id be lonely. Nothing to worry about, I simply

reminded myself I was in physical education and ready

to run like the wind. I wasn’t just doing this to prove

to the others I wasn’t afraid but to myself.

Now it was time for the amusing night come to an end, and it was ready for me to face my destiny. I wasn’t going to be alone for the entire duration of the night for I would be waking friends home on the way to my house. The first stop on the two kilometer marathon would be to Sean Mantle’s. We walked and talked on the way to his house. When we got there, we said our good-byes and went on past. Next was Amy Griffith’s and Karendeep Gill. These were two of my favorite friends and they re-assured me that nothing would happen to me for the last kilometer’s journey home. It was tough to think about traveling by myself the rest of the way,

but I wanted to beat my fear. I forced myself to continue.

My adrenaline was pumping more then it ever had before. I continued to stroll in the dark in an attempt to make it home safely. I had been pacing for about two minutes when I saw a man sauntering in a path that was going to cross mine. I began to get sweaty and nervous. Every possibility had run through my mind. I didn’t know what to do but stir every once of confidence within me, keep pacing forward, and keep my self-respect. Every second that passed felt like an hour. When I was within reaching distance of the man, he stopped rightin my path. He then, with his right hand, reached into his cloak. I, being scared for my life, ran into the middle of the street. Fortunately no cars were coming, and if they were I didn’t pay any attention. I then continued to dash the whole way home. I ran and never looked back for I was afraid to see what was happening around me.

My blue comforting house was in the distance. The warmth and comfort in my heart growing, the darkness and frightfulness leaving. I ran across the wet lawn and to the front door. Almost home in what seemed like seconds from when I started on my journey. Stopping to reflect on what had just happened was a confusing matter.. Was the man actually there? Was he just a figment of my imagination? Then, snapping back into the normal and realized I was drenched with sweat. I then continued to open the door and walk inside. Rushing to my enjoyable room and continued to take my clothes off for a shower. Looking in the mirror and realized I was bleeding from the chest. A huge slash mark that ran about 3 inches in length was engraved within me. Piecing the night together properly was difficult. I couldn’t because of all the fright, adrenaline, and intense atmosphere. Still, till this day, do not know how on earth I managed to get this scar.