WARNING: Ableism and infantilization of a disabled adult.

chapter 6 Daniel Sousa: disrespected

Daniel's point of view

I was out for lunch with Jack, Howard, and Obie… Jack was leaving to go to California the next day…

"You lucky fool… going to California" I said

"It's not going to be easy…" Jack admitted

"Think of all the pretty girls you're going to meet, you devil" said Obie, he was teasing, of course.

"That's one of the perks… seeing the Dodgers play regularly is another." Jack admitted

"The Yankees are better" said Howard

"Too right they are" added Obie

"I happen to like the Red Sox"

"Oh Daniel" said Howard, with an exasperated facepalm.

Daniel chuckled, "I'm kidding Howard… you know I like the Mets"

"That's better"

"I'm going to miss you guys"

"You're gonna miss arguing with us about baseball"

"Yeah… and working with you. I've learned a lot, working with you three. It's mostly been fun."

"Well… we have to get back to the office pretty soon…"

We left just as a woman was coming in… she caught sight of my crutch and glared at me, then she went straight to the proprietor of the business. She screamed in his face, turned back around and walked towards the door and when she got close to me, she snarled

"People like him do not belong in civilized society"

"Excuse me?" I snapped, "What the hell is that supposed to mean?" the woman ignored me and continued to speak to Howard.

"People with… deformities" Howard and Obie both made furious moves towards the woman, but I got there first.

"Ma'am… this isn't a deformity, I was injured in the war… and even if it was a deformity you have no right to judge anyone on that!" I said

"Exactly" said Howard

"He should have been more careful" she snarled at Howard

"How dare you"

"The hard-working citizens of this country do not need the burden of people like him…"

"Listen here you ignorant old bat… I am a war hero… I will not tolerate you disrespecting me."

"Who does he think he's talking to?"

"Quit infantilizing, my friend… he stepped in front of most of his platoon and took an incendiary bomb to the thigh. He was lucky to survive it… he's a war hero. People like you do not deserve to be in civilized society… you're the one with the prejudice problem… grow up!" Howard snapped. He turned on his heel and walked quickly away, Jack followed and then so did Obie. I brought up the rear. I was steamed… I wrote a scathing letter to the proprietor of the restaurant, telling him that I was most dissatisfied with the way that horrible woman had spoken to me. Furthermore, I wrote to my congressman and my state representative, and gave them a piece of my mind, and then I went to the media. I was careful to avoid going to the Daily Bugle…