You are at a concert. Where are you standing? [[In the front]], [[in the middle of pit]], [[on the side]], [[up along the balcony]].
This is one of your favorite bands. You're [[anxiously]] awaiting for the lights to go down and the intro to fade in, annoncing the arrival of the individuals that changed your [[life]]. You look around at the [[crowd]] around you, everyone with the same look of pure bliss as you.
You're in the middle of the pit, you know that as soon as the band comes on you'll be [[shoved]] and [[hit]] but you could not be [[happier->In the front]] about it.
You're along the side, standing by the [[bar]]. Being in the crowd isn't for you.
You're up along the balcony. Your friend dragged you along. You'd rather be at home on your [[couch->1.1]].
As you wait for your idols to take the stage, you think about all the things [[they->As the band]] have done for you. While you don't know them personally, they have impacted you in ways you can't really put into words. So as you're standing there at the barricade, thinking of all the postives they've put in your life, you can't help but anxiously tap your feet, sway your body, or bounce on the balls of your feet. You think about the setlist, imagining the possible songs they'll perform which includes all of your favorites, just adding to the budding anxiety forming within.
You've waited in line since three p.m. this afternoon to get the spot you're standing in right now. Some people might call you "crazy" or "obsessed" but they simply don't know what it's like to be emotionally attached to an artist. The way the lyrics inspire you to be a better person or connect with you on a deeper, psychological level. This [[artist->As the band]] is your lifeline. You wouldn't be the person you are today without them; so getting to the venue four hours before the doors open, just waiting, is something you had to do, regardless of who understands or doesn't.
The crowd is filled with individuals of all ages. Parents in the back chaproneing their kids and their friends. Young adults between the ages of 18 and 24, chatting and drinking beer, excited for a night out with their close mates and good [[live music->As the band]] to enjoy.
The guys next to you are pretty big, you're consciously aware of the fact you might get knocked on the ground so you plant your feet in a stance that will (hopefully) keep you up. If not, good thing you struck up a conversation with them during set changes, they'll be sure to have your back if things go a little bit off the rail, especially during the [[first few songs->As the band]].
You're ready for the impact of what's to come as soon [[as the band->As the band]] comes on the stage. You're ready for the floor to open up and people to start swinging. You've mentally prepared yourself for what's to come. Good thing you have years of experience within this scene.
A guy comes up next to you and offers to buy you a [[drink]]. You politely decline, however.
The guy leaves you alone and doesn't see you again for the rest of the night. Phew. [[You're safe->1.1]].
As the artist comes on stage, the audience comes to life. A thousand different faces singing the lyrics back to the faces on stage, everyone having a good time. You're enjoying the shoving of the fans, the close proximity of everyone around you, and even the occassional crowd surfer that kicks you in the head. That is until you feel someone get a little too [[comfortable.]]
You feel an arm snake around your shoulders and you look to your left, there stands a guy around your age, slightly intoxicated. You politely shake off his arm and ignore his intensive stare for the next song and a half. You look around and no longer seem him. It's alright, [[he's gone]].
As you regain your comfort with the crowd and enjoy your favorite artist who's a mere 10 feet away from you, you feel an arm again, this time around your waist. You increase your jumping and swaying to the beat of the drums, trying to get the arm off, however the person's grip just gets stronger. This time you turn to your right and are met with the same stare as last time, one filled with intensity and now, [[fervor.]]
You can feel his fingers as they increase pressure on your hip, you try to peel them away but he's too strong. You feel him move [[behind you,]] hand still steady where you don't want.
You feel another intrusion amongst your body. You realize it's his other hand inside your back jean pocket. You frantically search the crowd with your eyes, desperately searching for someone to help. You make contact with several of the guards but all connection is lost within seconds as their attention is drawn to the wave of crowd surfers. Your eyes start to swell with tears as you start to lose hope. You feel the hand that was once on your hips move lower, now on your thigh. [[This isn't how tonight was supposed to go.]]
Just as you begin to lose all hope, you're jerked backwards. You feel the extraction of hands from your thigh and backside. You see him being [[pulled away]] from you by two guys you had seen earlier, relief floods your body.
You enjoyed the rest of the show to the best of your ability, still on edge from the events that happened. As the lights came back up and filled the room, you look around, searching and, thankfully, unable to find him. You feel a faint tap on your shoulder and instantly tense up. It's him. However, when you turn around, awaiting your fate, you see it's the two guys who saved you from what only can be described as a nightmare. They tell you they had seen the events unfold and while they had initally thought He was your boyfriend, they were quick to realize their misconception as they saw the tears in your eyes. You profoundly thank them and offer to buy them a drink, to which they comply.
You think of the scene you indulge yourself in, aware of the skepticism and worry you hear from friends and family members about what happens to girls who go to shows. You never thought it would happen to you, just like they all say. But as you think about the circumstances, you're thankful. Thankful it happened surrounded by people who care about one another and willing to help, regardless if they are strangers.