Chapter 16 - My slap
My own criminal case resolved six months after the lobby incident.
The video showed Dominic pushing my wheelchair.
Without consent.
Toward the exit.
Then me stopping.
Standing.
Stepping toward him.
Slapping him.
The prosecutor considered context.
No serious injury.
Dominic had a bruised cheek and mild shoulder strain from falling.
I had no recent criminal conviction.
Yes, the infamous Mafia boss had a complicated historical record, but prior allegations are not automatic proof of current guilt.
The resolution:
Misdemeanor battery diversion.
Anger-management instruction.
Community service.
Medical reimbursement.
No new offense.
Dismissal after completion.
My cousins were furious.
“You let them treat you like some guy in a bar fight.”
I answered:
“I was some guy who slapped another guy.”
Dominic had behaved disgracefully.
That did not give me a private sentencing power.
Maeve once asked:
“Why did you hit him?”
“Because I was angry.”
“He was mean.”
“Yes.”
“So?”
“So I should have stopped him from moving the chair and called security.”
She thought.
“Could yell?”
“Yes.”
“Very loud?”
“Probably.”
Satisfied.
Children like clear escalation ladders.
May you like
Adults should too.
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