sticking out like a sore gringo

round 1 to me, but i'm not feeling too smug. it could easily have been different.

sitting at a beachfront bar, just having a quick rest and swift drink before heading out to meet hostel friends in copacabana. its just before 10pm. i am sending a text.

a patter of onrushing noise. a hand on my phone. it grabs. my grip is firm. the grab cannot sway me. the figure lurches away at speed. i shout abuse. everyone is looking now, i think they are surprised i am not chasing. maybe they don't realise i still have the prize. i don't show them, i am not feeling too proud. i didn't see it coming, and a hundred other times the hand would have won.