Molotov cocktail

Olga Brajnović

10 years ago

Tell us about a bullet you’re glad you dodged — when something awful almost happened, but didn’t.

The police had detained some known supporters of a terrorist group. I was reporting about that in the street where it happened. Suddenly more supporters appeared with their faces covered throwing stones and molotov cocktails to the police and journalists. I was in the middle of the street battle. Trying to find a safe place. Scared. I hate violence. Everything was happening fast. In a given moment I found myself alone in the middle of the street. A young man appeared in front of me. His face covered. Brandishing a molotov cocktail and yelling at me:

– “You, coward!, I’ll throw it to you!, I’ll kill you!”

From the safety of a nearby house two of the leaders of the group I knew encouraged him:

– “Do it!” “To her!”, “She is a Journalist!” “A manipulator!”

I didn’t know what to do. I stayed still looking intently to his eyes, the only part of his face uncovered. I didn’t dare to move an inch. I didn’t want to provoke him. I thought that if I moved he would react throwing the bottle to me.

Then Xavier, my photographer arrived. He came from my back. Slowly walked around me until he was between the boy and me protecting me with his body. Began to get ready with his camera.

At that moment the boy turned and ran away.

Xavier told me:

– “Come with me slowly because I heard them talking that today they are going after you.”

He accompanied me to his car and then we left the dangerous area. He saved me that day.

Daily Prompt: Close Call.
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