Editor’s note: October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and REACH of Haywood County and The Smoky Mountain News have partnered in this week’s issue to raise awareness about this issue (see stories Page 4-9).
About 25 years ago, I was out dancing with friends. The dance floor was hot, I was having fun, and eventually I stepped away to the bar to cool off and grab a cold drink. A man came over and started talking to me. He was nice enough. Not bad looking. We chatted for a few minutes, and eventually he asked if I wanted to dance.
I told him no. Nothing dramatic. Nothing rude. I simply said, “No, thanks. I’m with my friends tonight.”
His response was immediate: “Whatever, you fucking slut.”
