The Stump: My Way Out of Chicago's South Side

Three guys I didn’t recognize stood outside the door as I came down the steps of a Chicago apartment building. I had just finished up collecting newspaper fees for delivering the daily paper. One stepped inside, walked toward me, and said, “What’s up?” I looked at him and said, “What’s up with you?” As he stepped closer I saw a gun in his waistband and it made me think of my father, who always said, “Think before you react, son.” If I reach for his gun, I thought, he could be faster than me...