A Way Better Rescuer Than That Volleyball…

This takes place around 2007. I am a freshman in college. I’m a fairly introverted girl who literally just turned eighteen. I’m studying in the student lounge between classes when I notice a much older man walking back and forth, staring at me. I go back to my notes, but he continues doing it, getting closer every time.

I am contemplating what to do when a tall, intimidating-looking guy in his early twenties plops down across from me.

Guy: *Loudly* “Hey, you’re in my Statistics class, aren’t you?”

Me: “Um… maybe?”

I’ve never seen him before in my life.

Guy: *Loudly* “What did you think of that exam? I think I passed, but man, it was tough. What are you reading now? Mind if I hang with you until my next class?”

Me: “I, uh…”

Guy: *In a normal voice* “Okay, he’s gone.”

I look around and realize that the creepy man has vanished.

Guy: “I was sitting on the other side of the lounge, and he’s been eyeing you up for a while. Gave me the creeps. Sorry to startle you.”

Me: “No problem. Thank you for that. How did you know I was in Statistics?”

He points at my Statistics textbook sitting next to my bag and we both laugh.

Guy: “Are you a freshman?”

I nod.

Guy: “Me, too. I did the military thing for a couple of years and now I’m here. My name’s Wilson, by the way.”

I introduced myself. We chatted for a while and then went to our respective classes. I saw him in passing a couple of times during the semester and we always waved at each other. I didn’t see him after that.

Wilson, if you read this… thank you! I still appreciate what you did.