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“Back when we were kids my friend Geoff and I were cruising down the freeway in his parent's van, shooting berries out the window with our homemade slingshots. These squishy orange berries made perfect ammunition due to the gratifying splat they made on anything (or anyone) they hit. Actually, they were a lot like paint balls only they were free and plentiful.

So we're cruising down the street at around 60kph, having ourselves a ball as we vandalized the passing cars. Did I mention we were a couple teenage expats living in Jakarta, Indonesia? That's somewhat relevant since women in Indonesia ride sidesaddle on motorcycles, often without a helmet. (It's also relevant because it's a disservice to your homeland to be a jackass on someone else's turf.) Right around the time our vehicle reaches an overpass, a man and his wife ride up alongside the van on their motorcycle. The woman, dressed in a fine white blouse, has no idea she's about to get pelted by my squishy orange berry. Without a second thought I aimed and fired from point blank range...SPLAT! Right in the middle of her back. Goodness knows where they were off to, but I doubt she carried a change of clothes. Not knowing what hit her she made a startled jump and immediately I felt my heart drop. What if she had fallen off the bike? I felt bad enough for ruining her outfit, but I felt plain stupid for not considering the consequences of my action. I've never forgiven myself for my foolishness that day. First I must extend my regret to poor woman I terrorized, then to her country for my lack of respect, and finally to my own for the impression I might have left on her and her family for generations to follow.

This is one of few instances in my life where I shot first and asked questions later. I repeatedly ask myself what evil lurks within the heart of a child who finds pleasure in another person's suffering. If you'll believe that I'm sorry then I ask you to forgive me. Should you happen to be the woman whose blouse I spoiled, know that I'd happily replace it for you.”

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