Turning tides

I have gone to the dark side.

The day started off normally enough. My son and I took our daily ramble through the park in the sunshine. He climbed up and down hills and commented on his dirty hands. I tried to interest him in the squaking seagulls to no avail. Then it happened. As we were making our final round through the park, I noticed two teenage boys on the roof of a park building. They were enthusiastically kicking what looked to be part of the chimney. When they saw me staring, they waved. I waved back but continued to stare, hoping my act of witness would get them on their way. They waved some more and pretended to not be interested in kicking apart the roof-structure. They started up again once I turned my back.

I walked away. But I walked away mad. My thoughts were along the lines of: "those destructive little fu#$%ers!" And then I did something I have never done in my whole entire life. I walked into the local community centre, and called the police. I CALLED THE POLICE.

Maybe it was because they waved. Maybe it was because they looked so bored and middle class. Maybe it was because I hate to see destruction for destruction's sake. Maybe it is because I am a parent now and have a new sense of community responsibility. I am not exactly sure but I am surprised at myself.

So, perhaps my warning should read: Beware neighbours, I've got 9-1-1 on speed-dial!