Group Of Men Block Grandma, But When They Recognize Her It’s Too Late

Don’t Go There

Her late husband had always warned her against going to that part of town. She couldn’t remember how she got there, only that she’d desperately needed cash.

But then it happened in a blink of an eye. She found herself on the wet ground as a sharp pain shot through her stomach. She cried out, trying to wade through the ear-numbing pain. And that’s when she saw them.

Standing Her Ground

Air flooded her lungs, and her heart thundered in her ears. Adrenaline pumped through her system as she locked eyes with their leader.

“That money isn’t yours to take,” she cried out. Before the man knew it, she shot toward him. What followed would be a sight to send chills through anyone who was there to witness it.

Barely Lucid

But for Eleanor Summers, coming to this side of town hadn’t been in her plans in the first place. She was supposed to be in the comfort of her home, waiting for the weather to clear up.

But as plans go, something unexpected had come up, propelling her to this unfortunate situation. Now here she was, barely lucid, with her belly painted crimson.

A Secretive Woman

Eleanor was like any other seventy-five-year-old widow living in Great Bend, Kansas. She had eyes that had seen many things but was always cheerful no matter the situation.

She usually walked with a disarming smile, greeting everyone in her path. Yet, in all her friendliness, there were things she’d always kept a secret about herself.

A New Home

Originally from New York City’s Manhattan, Eleanor lived alone in her family home outside Great Bend. A city girl through and through, she’d slowly fallen in love with Kansas’s countryside. She loved its overcast weather and the friendly community that had embraced her as one of their own.

But she’d recently lost her husband of forty-five years in an accident that nearly claimed her life as well. Heartbroken and alone, she was only trying to move through the motions.

Keeping Busy

In a bid to kill the pain and agony, Eleanor had taken up a few sports. She found the constant activity exhilarating and mind-clearing, which she really needed in these trying times.

She had taken part in a myriad of sports in her younger years and even engaged in them every now and then. All she wanted was to keep her mind from wandering back to John’s death. She had no clue that her life would be in danger soon.

Power Walking

Eleanor usually left her house early in the morning for a short walk. She’d then convene with her best friend at the park for her favorite activity, power walking.

Since the accident that took John from her, she’d been engaging in different kinds of strenuous activities, trying to mend her leg, which had been hurt.

Although her doctor assured her the pain would ebb with time, even if she didn’t go to such extents, she saw power walking as something she needed to do.

Her Route

So far, it was working, and Eleanor was pleased. Her power walking route usually cut through three parts of town. The first was the park, where she and her best friend of fifty years, Debbie, and her husband, Charles, would start the activity.

They would walk into the heart of Great Bend, enjoying the morning sun and greeting everyone on their way. Afterward, they would walk toward the Arkansas River, taking in mother nature’s freshness. But all this would come to an end soon enough.

A Day Like No Other

The day the incident took place had started off like any other for Eleanor. She woke up early and, after a quick shower and hearty breakfast, took her walking cane and hurried down to the park.

She’d expected to spend the day with Debbie and Charles as she usually did. But today, something was different.

Her Best Friend

Debbie, who rarely came to town without Charles, was alone. She explained that her husband had come down with the flu and would be sitting today out.

Regardless, she was excited to take part in the day’s power walking activity. But she also had another idea that would land Eleanor smack in the middle of trouble.

Yoga

“Why don’t we try some yoga today?” she asked with a smile. The two had long considered participating in a park yoga class, but Charles had been against it.

He maintained that he couldn’t afford to be seen stretching in spandex in the middle of the park as a man. But since he wasn’t around today and would probably be away throughout the week, the ladies decided to jump right in.

Yoga Mats

They hurried off to their power walk first, then visited one of the most renowned yoga studios in town afterward. Since half the day was already gone, they only hoped to register for the next session.

Everything went well until the yogi asked the ladies if they had yoga mats at home that they could bring for the morning session. His studio had just run out of mats, and seeing as it was integral to the experience, he needed the two to come with some.

A Few Places To Check

He suggested a few shops and malls usually stocked the mats if Eleanor and Debbie didn’t have them at home. He apologized for having them jump through hoops for something he should have had at the ready.

His hope was that the ladies would find excellent mats around town. He didn’t know it would lead to the very terrible situation Eleanor would find herself in.

Looking For The Mats

As fast as they could, the two women embarked on a quest to find mats for the next day’s yoga session. They even ignored lunch that day, hoping to find what they were looking for before nightfall.

The skies were also hueing a dark gray, indicating a hefty downpour was imminent. But getting rained on would be the least of Eleanor’s worries that evening.

A Dangerous Part Of Town

The search for yoga mats led Eleanor and Debbie into parts of Great Bend they’d rarely visited. Walking beside her best friend, Eleanor remembered all the warnings her late husband always shot her way.

“Never walk in that part of town,” he’d say. “If you really have to go there, do it with a friend or drive.” As far as Eleanor saw it, she was safe. There was nothing she and Debbie couldn’t get through. Or so she thought.

Ignoring The Warnings

They two hadn’t meant to come this deep into one of the most dangerous parts of town. They were only passing through, hoping to cut back a few steps as they headed to their next destination.

They reached the shop they were looking for successfully, and Eleanor could breathe a sigh of relief. But out of nowhere, Debbie’s phone rang.

Something’s Wrong

She picked it up as Eleanor was looking at the large selection of yoga mats the shop had on display. Debbie went rigid, her smile fading away. She talked while pacing. Something wasn’t right.

She canceled the call and told Eleanor they needed to leave. She didn’t elaborate further, only turned around and started walking.

It’s Charles

“What is it,” Eleanor asked as she hurried after her. “It’s Charles; he’s getting worse,” Debbie answered. ‘He’d be fine,’ Eleanor wanted to say. She’d known Charles as long as she knew Debbie and always counted him among the most dramatic people in her life.

“You go,” Eleanor said. “Since I’m already here, I’ll pick out a few mats, send you some photos so you can choose your favorites, then bring it over tomorrow.”

Go Home

Debbie smiled, although her brows were still furrowed. “You’re not scared of going back alone?” she asked. “Remember John’s warnings?”

“I do,” Eleanor answered. “I’ll take a taxi when I’m done. I’ll probably reach my house faster than you reach yours.” Debbie grinned at that and hugged Eleanor. Unknown to her, her best friend wouldn’t reach her home that night.

Choosing The Best Ones

Eleanor watched as Debbie jumped into a cab and disappeared into the distance. She quickly started picking out yoga mats, separating the ones she loved from the ones she thought were ugly.

She sent a few photos to Debbie, who settled on two she really liked. She asked Eleanor if she could bring both, and of course, her best friend said “Yes.”

Finishing Up

With everything set, Eleanor took the mats to the counter to finish up. She’d spent a little over thirty minutes picking out what she needed, yet it felt like she’d spent the entire afternoon here.

The sky was dark outside, a slight shower already wetting the streets. Eleanor needed to get home before the rain blocked her way.

No Cards, Just Cash

The cashier quickly rang her up, and Eleanor pulled out her purse, ready to pay. But the store only took cash, so she couldn’t use her card.

Unfortunately for her, she was fresh out of dollar bills. She looked around, searching for an ATM where she could withdraw some cash. She grunted and turned to the cashier when she couldn’t see any. “I’ll be right back.”

There’s One

Eleanor hurried out of the store and into the shower. She covered her head with her purse, looking around until she saw an ATM.

With a grin, she approached it, ready to get some cash so she could put all this behind her. She knew John was screaming in heaven right now, lamenting how she was ignoring each and every one of his warnings. If she’d have known, she’d have listened.

At The ATM

Eleanor made her way to the ATM and got to business. She rummaged through her purse, taking out her card before slipping it into the machine.

She punched in her pin and the amount she needed, impatiently tapping her foot on the wet ground. She had no idea that the terrible end was already looming around her.

A Sharp Pain

She was in the middle of taking out her cash and card when it happened. The pain came from nowhere, jarring through her as she lost her balance.

The world tilted and danced, and before Eleanor could react, her body hit the cold, wet ground. The pain flared through her, and she cried out as her eyes turned blurry. What was happening?

That’s Mine

A shoe appeared in her wavy vision, and the sound of laughter mixed with the ringing in her ears. Someone snatched the dollar bills in her grasp, and that’s when red covered her sight.

Air flooded her lungs, and her heart thundered as it pumped adrenaline all over her system. She locked eyes with the man, saying, “That money isn’t yours to take.”

Standing For Herself

Eleanor lunged at the man, using her weight to topple him. She screamed, fury burning through her. One man tried to tackle her from behind, but she sprung up and shot her hand into his neck.

He croaked with wide eyes. The rest of the men stepped back before rushing to help their two friends. They vacated the area as fast as they’d come.

It’s Red

Eleanor heaved where she stood; She couldn’t believe what had just happened. She’d fought off an onslaught of attackers. But her sight inched down to her blouse, and her lips parted.

The article of clothing was red and wet. The pain that had disappeared just moments ago fell back on her like a rogue wave, and she fell against the wall. Was she going to make it?

She Should’ve Listened

Eleanor’s sight stayed glued to the direction the men had run to. She didn’t dare look at her wound, fearing it was something serious.

“Oh, John,” she stammered. “I should listen to you more.” She was still shaking when the cashier from the shop came running. But Eleanor keeled over before she made it to her.

Darkness

What followed was an indistinctive darkness that seemed to last for hours. Then a dim light shone at the center of it before Eleanor opened her eyes.

She woke up on a hospital bed with Debbie crying beside her. Charles was screaming at two doctors, saying they needed to heal Eleanor or he’d bring down his wrath on them.

An officer was also in the room with a pen and notebook. One look at him, and Eleanor knew this was far from over.

A Common Criminal 

Eleanor took in the room around her. Charles was screaming at two doctors, saying they needed to heal Eleanor or he’d bring down his wrath on them.

An officer was also in the room with a pen and notebook. 

But that wasn’t what had her heart racing. Her left hand had been cuffed to the bed like a common criminal.

A Bitter Taste

Eleanor tried to sit up in her bed but couldn’t. Her body, still coming back from the potent effects of sedatives, was unresponsive.

Her mouth had a constant bitter taste, and her tongue was heavy.

She looked at her best friend and tried to smile, but that, too, was impossible. But the biggest question in her mind was why the officer had cuffed her.

I Shouldn’t Have Left

“Easy there, honey,” Debbie said when she realized Eleanor was trying to sit up.

She wiped the tears dangling on her lashes and moved her chair closer.

“I’m so sorry I left,” she said. “I shouldn’t have. I’ll never leave you again, I swear.” “Wait, what? What about me?” Charles intoned from the other side of the room.

A Happy Moment

His reaction was enough to make Eleanor’s lips curve. She could even feel laughter simmering within her, though it was having trouble bubbling up her throat.

Debbie ran her hand across Eleanor’s hair, patting it lovingly. She wiped more tears and turned to the doctor beside them. “Can she talk, doctor?”

Something’s Not Right

“Yes. As soon as the effects of the medicine we gave her wear out.”

But something about the way he talked didn’t sit right with Eleanor. 

She’d been in and out of many hospitals in her seven decades of life. She’d been there because of her own sickness, to visit friends and family, and even bring loved ones for a check-up. Eleanor was familiar with the man’s tone. Something was terribly wrong.

Worry And Panic Take Over

She tried to sit up again. She could feel panic welling up in her stomach, could feel it starting to flow through her veins.

The doctor looked at her knowingly, a flash of worry passing through his face. He called Charles outside, and what followed was enough to confirm Eleanor’s fears that this wasn’t over yet.

Muffled Conversations

The moment Charles walked out of the room, the doctor pulled the door shut. But Eleanor could still hear the bits of the conversation.

The doctor’s voice, unlike Charles’s, was calm and reserved. Yet the things he was saying didn’t inspire any faith. Charles returned after a second, calling Debbie out. And that’s when all hell broke loose.

Everything’s Not Fine

Debbie screamed so loud that the officer sitting next to Eleanor had to step outside to see what was happening. He returned with a sheepish smile, assuring Eleanor that everything was fine.

But Eleanor knew her best friend in and out. Where Charles was usually dramatic to a comical level, Debbie rarely lost her cool. To see her this distraught meant whatever was going on wasn’t a laughing matter.

Nefarious Activities 

But Eleanor wouldn’t. She couldn’t remember the last time she’d been in handcuffs, if ever, and wondered what crime she’d committed to be cuffed to a bed like this. 

This usually happens to criminals after they get hurt while doing nefarious activities.

She was by no means a criminal. She’d only been trying to protect herself.

More Mystery

To add more mystery, Debbie’s reaction had triggered a side in Eleanor that usually surfaced only when there was trouble. 

Eleanor knew her best friend in and out. Where Charles was usually dramatic to a comical level, Debbie rarely lost her cool.

To see her this distraught meant whatever was going on wasn’t a laughing matter. 

Flowing Tears

Debbie stormed back into the room, halting at the door before her eyes landed on Eleanor.

Her tears had doubled, the quivering in her lips together with them.

She stepped forward slowly, shaking her head as if she’d already lost her best friend. She turned to the officer with a threatening look.

She’s Innocent!

“Undo that cuff right now,” she seethed. She’d rarely used such a chilling voice, but today it felt necessary.

“The people you should be arresting are out there. You should be ashamed for cuffing someone as sweet as Eleanor!” 

Seeing her this emotional had Eleanor tearing up. She finally found the strength to speak for the first time since waking up. 

Say Something

“What’s happening, Debb,” she stammered with difficulty, her throat hurting.

Debbie didn’t answer. She just shook her head again as her tears flowed freely.

“Please say something,” Eleanor continued. She could barely get the words out. Her teeth, tongue, and lips fought against each other, each straining to allow her to talk. “You’re scaring me.”

Open It

The officer leaned in, opening the cuff. He looked uncomfortable, like he should have been anywhere but here. 

“I’ll give you two a little privacy,” he said and snapped the cuff onto his utility belt.

He walked to the door and turned around. “For what it’s worth, I wasn’t on board with cuffing you to the bed. It was unnecessary and downright disrespectful.” His gaze swept the room before he walked out. 

No Goodbyes Today

“Do you wanna tell me why you’re so upset?” Eleanor croaked, and Debbie’s tears flowed afresh. “I won’t let it happen,” she said.

She took Eleanor’s hand and squeezed it. 

Her hold was gentle at first. Then it became tight to an uncomfortable extent. What was happening? Now that Eleanor was awake, weren’t things supposed to return to normal?

I Can’t Live Without You

“I won’t lose you,” Debbie cried. “I can’t see a life without you.” “What’s wrong, Debb?” Eleanor asked.

She needed to understand what had happened after she passed out. She had no idea how bad things were. 

The doctor stepped in with a nurse and Charles. They reached out for Debbie, trying to separate her from Eleanor.

How Are We Feeling?

Charles walked Debbie out, leaving the doctor, nurse, and officer, who came in afterward.

The doctor was the first to talk, while the nurse came to ensure Eleanor was comfortable. She steadied her pillow and checked the beeping machines by the bedside.

“Mrs. Summers, how are we feeling?” the doctor began with a smile. He had a tablet in hand, scrolling through it before continuing. 

We’re Doing Everything We Can

“Tired,” Eleanor answered. The doctor nodded and stepped closer. Although his expression was emotionless, there seemed to be a glint of sadness in his eyes.

He sighed and held the tablet to his side. “I know you’re wondering what’s going on here. We want to assure you we’re doing everything possible to stabilize your condition.”

Her Kidney

“Am I not stable yet?” Eleanor asked. “What’s happening, doctor, and why was I cuffed to the bed?”

The doctor seemed to search for words. He looked at the officer, who nodded and leaned against the wall. 

The doctor placed his tablet on the bed and said, “I’ll answer what falls under my profession. The officer will cover the rest.”

A Quick Rundown

When Eleanor agreed to his terms, he said, “Your attacker’s blade went through to your left kidney.

The injury was severe when the EMTs brought you in, but we managed to contain it.” 

“Then why the commotion?” Eleanor croaked. “Give it to me straight. No mincing words because I am not getting any younger. Am I okay?”

Surgeries

“Mrs. Summers, you have barely been lucid for two straight days,” the doctor said. “We’ve had to wheel you into two surgeries so far.

It goes without saying that your body has been under a lot of stress.

The attack nearly lacerated your kidney. We thought we’d tended to the damage on your first night here. But we were solely mistaken.”

The Real Situation

“The kidney ruptured some hours after the first surgery, and we discovered blood was leaking into the surrounding tissue – a dangerous occurrence, Mrs. Summers.

We had to take you into a second emergency operation to stabilize your condition.

We thought we had it under control until we found out your kidney was bleeding again. It had detached itself from its blood vessels.”

Layered In Gauze

“What does all of this mean, doctor?” Eleanor asked. It was now that she could finally move her limbs. The first thing she did was touch her belly.

It was layered in gauze that was secured by pins. Pain jolted through her when she grazed her fingers against the rough fabric. “Be honest with me, doctor,” she said. “Am I gonna make it?”

Don’t Lie To Me

Eleanor Summers didn’t know why she asked that question. In seventy-five years, she’d never asked such a grim question.

She could feel the tears bud in the corners of her eyes. She couldn’t even reach up to wipe them. The image of John appeared in her mind; he was quietly watching. “Please, doctor,” she whispered. “The truth.”

A Transplant

The doctor let out a sigh. Eleanor could tell this was a lot on his shoulders.

“Your records show you have had a history of kidney failure.”

“Yes,” Eleanor said. About three decades back, she had a transplant that saved her life. She’d even forgotten that only one of her kidneys, which she got during the transplant, was fully functional. The other one was barely carrying out its function as required.

Time Is Ticking

“The ruptured kidney was the healthy one, Mrs. Summers,” the doctor announced sombrely. “The remaining kidney can only do so much at the moment. We’ve already put you on a kidney waiting list. Charles is also putting out the word to your family, asking for donors.

The news left Eleanor without any words. She lay in shock, barely breathing. Why didn’t she listen to her husband when he warned her against going to that part of town?

The Officer

“But in the meantime,” continued the doctor. “This deputy will ask you a few questions.” “Officer Hewitt, at your service, ma’am,” the officer introduced himself.

But Eleanor couldn’t bring herself to care. Her life was slipping away from her grasp as she watched. What good would answering questions from an officer do? If only she knew that her life depended on it.

Be At Ease

The doctor said, “Please be at ease, Mrs. Summers. Know that we are doing everything to stabilize your condition.”

He nodded at the officer and exited the room.

Alone with Officer Hewitt, Eleanor closed her eyes. Perhaps this was only a bad dream, and everything would return to normal when she opened her eyes. But her nightmare was only beginning.

I Should Have Been Attentive

“We can do this later if you want, ma’am,” the officer said, and Eleanor opened her eyes.

They were still wet with tears, and she hated that trying to bring up her hand to wipe them was more painful than the stab in her lower abdomen.

“My husband, John, warned me against going there,” she said. “I really should have listened.” But the officer would turn everything on its head soon.

His Questions

“Was he familiar with that part of town, your husband?” he asked, taking out a pen to jot everything down.

“He was born and raised here,” Eleanor said.

“What about you?” asked the officer. “Manhattan, New York,” Eleanor smiled sadly. “John used to make fun of me for being a city girl. He reveled in the culture shock I got on my first visit here.”

A Dangerous Side Of Town

“That part of town has been a hotbed of crime for a while now,” the officer said, albeit with a tinge of guilt. “But the Force is working hard to deal with the problem.”

He took out his phone and scrolled for a second. “After your incident, we brought in a few individuals.

The cashier from the shop you were trying to make purchases from helped identify them. I only need you to help confirm their identities and give a short statement.”

Her Assailant

He brought the phone closer so Eleanor could have a better look at the mugshots.

He scrolled through each of them, giving her ample time to study them.

She didn’t recognize any of the men until the last photo. The mugshot sent a chill down her spine, bringing back the events of the attack into her mind.

It’s Him

The man in the mugshot was the same one who hurt Eleanor. He was the same man she’d tackled into the ground.

She pointed at him, identifying him as the attacker. 

Officer Hewitt nodded and pocketed the phone. He noted something in his notebook and took Eleanor’s statement of what had happened. “Now, do you want to tell me why I woke up in cuffs, Officer?”

Self-Defense

Officer Hewitt stepped back. “When we brought the suspects in, one was severely injured.

We had to take him to the emergency room because of breathing problems. 

His lawyer insisted on cuffing you for causing extensive injuries to the man’s throat. Of course, most of us know it was self-defense. But the lawyer pulled a few strings with some superiors in the Force, resulting in the cuffs.” But that wasn’t all.

Twisting The Story

The lawyer claimed that the men hadn’t attacked Eleanor, that she’d ambushed them at the ATM.

They claimed she’d called them names first, throwing in slurs to aggravate them. When they didn’t respond, she attacked them. 

“We know that is a lie,” the officer said. “I’m looking into the feed from security cameras around that area. Anything to prove you’re innocent.” He walked to the door and said, “You remind me so much of my grandma. She was from New York too, moved here to start a family in the fifties.”

Trauma

He tapped his fingers against the door frame, his eyes sightless for a second. “She was fierce and loving.

Understanding and nurturing. I would give anything to see her again.” With that, he asked Eleanor to be strong. She wouldn’t be leaving Earth anytime soon. 

For Eleanor, surviving an attack like that was a traumatizing experience. Although she was safe in her hospital bed, she couldn’t close her eyes, fearing a repeat of what happened. Her fingers were constantly trembling, and her lips were quivering. She didn’t know the end was close.

Debbie And Charles

Debbie and Charles returned after a few hours, finding Eleanor asleep.

They hadn’t managed to find anyone willing to donate a kidney to their dear friend. They wished theirs could have been compatible with hers. 

Eleanor’s life wouldn’t be in danger then. But out of nowhere, the doctor burst into Eleanor’s room, informing them of good news.

Serve And Protect

“Officer Hewitt just passed by my office,” he began. “He wanted to check if he was compatible with Mrs. Summers.

We ran a few tests and discovered he is!”

Debbie yelped, hugging Charles. She didn’t know this officer personally and couldn’t understand why he’d choose to help them. But she was eternally grateful for it.

A Good Deed

Talking to the local press a few weeks after a healthy Eleanor was released from the hospital, Officer Hewitt said that Eleanor’s story deeply touched him.

He wanted to see her return to life and so helped as much as possible. “Catching the guys that did this to her didn’t seem like enough,” he said. “I am glad the transplant was successful. She deserves all the good in this world.”

They Deserve The World

The officer had worked overtime to prove that what Eleanor did was because of self-defense.

He combed through camera footage for hours until he found a clip that showed the men attacking her first. 

“I am glad the transplant was successful,” he said. “Women as resilient and fearless as she deserves all the good in this world.”

Disclaimer: To protect the privacy of those depicted, some names, locations, and identifying characteristics have been changed and are products of the author’s imagination. Any resemblances to actual events, places, or persons, living or dead, are entirely coincidental.