The late comeback

~ MaryG
Daily writing prompt
Write about a time when you didn’t take action but wish you had. What would you do differently?
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I’m not typically someone to not say something. I will speak-up when needed. I trust my instincts.

For example, when an ambulance (with no siren or lights in use) nearly ran over a woman in a Boston crosswalk, I made a mental note of the name of the ambulance company (which was from a different part of the state), called the main office, and got the driver in trouble. Another time a FedEx driver (a complete stranger) beckoned my young son to his truck when he was walking by himself and asked him to carry a package up the driveway. I got that guy in trouble too.

Being a native-born Masshole who participated in the hellish Boston commute for decades, I’ve also been involved in my fair share of road rage flare-ups. I’m quick to flip the bird to the deserving. I’ve been involved in one or two shouting matches with other drivers while sitting at traffic lights.

One time two young men with a Harvard window sticker cut me off dramatically on a winding thoroughfare, only to end-up at the exact same ATM as me minutes later. I went up to them and said, “Did they teach you to drive like that at Harvard?”

The only times I remember regretting not saying something are when I couldn’t think of a comeback fast enough. I hate that.

Ponytail Harvard guy from “Good Will Hunting”

Click here to watch the best comeback in the film.

17 thoughts on “The late comeback”

  3. I’m always quick to respond and then my wife reminds me that that other driver is bigger or taller or driving a bigger car than me and that I might want to keep my wits about me. But I still prefer your way better. And yes, how about them apples is a great line! Love it.

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    1. Thanks Brian! I think I’ve had a false sense of security that things would never escalate to something physical because I’m a woman. Thank goodness I don’t have the commute from hell anymore.

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    1. I’m reading an interesting nonfiction bestseller called “The Persuaders.” There’s a chapter about AOC where she’s asked how/when she decides to drop one of her brilliant clapbacks on a troll. She said something like, well if they’re in my DMs with a blue check and I haven’t eaten in 3 hours, chances are good.
      I loved that. I get “hangry” too. Women don’t have to be nice all the time, despite what we we’re taught.
      You can try channelling AOC when you need her!

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      1. Oh! That was Anand Ghiridaras, right? Enjoyed that book, but listened on audio and probably too fast. 🙂

        Yours is great advice! I’m in awe of her composure under pressure and how she’s able to make her case even in the face of such bullying.

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