Screams rang out like echoes to the gunshot in the crowded store. The man wheeled around, the gun swinging in a dangerous arc that left no one feeling safe. But David felt new life flow through his veins. The time had come; the moment was now.

Others ducked and cowered before the greasy madman, but David eyed him squarely. His peripheral vision took in the surroundings, confirming what he had casually seen before. Slow, he inched to one side, bringing himself behind a cardboard cut-out of the latest cartoon character to be thrust upon the impressionable minds of the nation’s youth.

“Who’s ignoring me now!” the man menaced, spittle flying freely from his mouth. “Come on! Just try to ignore me! You’re cattle, stupid filthy cattle!”

Once the man turned the other way, David yelled, “I’m not ignoring you!” And for once in his quiet life, David sprang into action.

The man turned, bringing the gun to bear, but he was met with a heavy glass vase (on sale $15.99) flung hard and fast into his dirty face.