Ben Austen

I don't have any recollection of a single incident of harming him or saying something cruel to him.

And at the same time, I'm thinking that doesn't mean it didn't happen.

I'm also thinking maybe I actually just wasn't aware of it or I didn't recollect it.

So all those things are swirling through my head.

You know, the most unintimidating dog you could ever see in your life.

And I remember looking over and seeing Eddie's face as he saw the dog.

And he looked like he had just seen a ghost.

Just pure terror.

He stood up.

And I remember shouting at him.

And maybe I'm inventing this memory, but this is how I remember it.

I said, Eddie, sit down.

You know, the dog is interested in you.

And he starts to run.

And the dog, being a dog, gave Chase.

And I said to Eddie that maybe I was a lot like that dog, you know, like rambunctious, playful, and like when things ran, I was the kind of person that would give Chase.

I was saying like, I'm sorry.

I don't want you to feel bad.

And I'm willing to like step up and like, you know, say the things.

But then I also had to tell this damn story, which is like, it's actually not me.