I really want to tear out of the library. Leave work, right now on my lunch break, and visit the woman who survived. But it's too early for lunch. First, I decide to take my mother's advice and follow up about the self-defense class I never went to. I promised her.

An idea occurs to me. Is it worthwhile to suggest a self-defense class for women be a part of the programs offered by the library? I open Word and type up a memo that states my case. I offer supporting statistics and do some initial research into teachers and best practices. I send a copy to Mira and the library director Julia.

Why not help other women defend themselves against a possible attack, as well as learn the techniques myself? I shoot an email off to a self-defense coach as well, to see if she'll teach t...

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