The hot weather seems to bring out unusual behaviour in some people. Flossie and I recently had a concerning incident on a walk but we also experienced the kindness of a local motorist.
It involved a topless man emerging from some bushes as we walked up a shady farm track to avoid the sun. There was a bike resting on the ground nearby and, perhaps naiively, I wondered if he’d paused for a call of nature.
I also had a strong sense that we shouldn’t linger.
Flossie was on her lead and we were not too far from the road so there was no option but to press on. As we reached the lane I was aware that he was behind us, but not aboard his bike.
Flossie was hesitating and looking back at him. Her instincts were similar to mine. By now I was feeling on edge.
I could hear a car approaching from behind. As it drew alongside us, it slowed and the window lowered. I recognised a woman who we sometimes exchange waves with when she drives past us.
She quietly told me to be very careful of the man behind us and that we should keep moving.
Gulp.
So we did. We upped our pace, just enough so it wasn’t too obvious we were trying to increase our distance.
Thankfully, Flossie was cooperative. She seemed to know we needed to move quickly.
I don’t know if the woman had spotted the scantily clad man doing something concerning. She didn’t have time to tell me as it was important that I keep walking. But as Flossie and I reached the main road and there was more life around us, he cycled past and went on his way.
Maybe there was no reason to feel alarmed, but I trust my instincts. I trust Flossie’s even more.
And I am very grateful to the kind woman in the car.
As published in the Bath Chronicle, 25 August 2022
Suzy Pope is a certified copywriter and newspaper columnist specialising in pets and lifestyle. If you would like help with a writing project, please get in touch.
