The turnout is incredible.  I would have never guessed this many people would show up on such short notice.  But with the miracle of the internet, word spread quickly, and here we are.  Who would have ever thought this many like-minded people felt so strongly about this issue?  All I can say is “Amen,” and today is the day!

As I peruse the area, the attendance is ridiculous.  It’s hard to believe.  So many people;  teenagers, students, twenty-something’s, seniors, …wow!  Many in the crowd are carrying signs, while others are chanting in unison.

The atmosphere is electric, in the midst of this incredibly hot and humid day.  Temperature is hovering near ninety five degrees.

The air reeks of sweat-drenched clothes and body odor.  It is difficult to breath at times.  As I gasp for fresh air,  I remind myself of the big picture here, and our message.

The crowd size is now overgrown and overflowed into the streets.  It feels more energized and intense with each passing minute.  We now take up two full blocks in all directions.  We’ve blocked traffic.  We own the streets.  They’ve got to listen to us now.

No sign of police or authorities yet.  Let’s hope it stays this way.  The crowd excitement is contagious.  I do hope everyone keeps their cool so our directive is strong and clear.  We don’t want the message lost if this thing should escalate.

The stench of the air is now garnished with marijuana.

A few beer carrying college guys wearing greek t-shirts rowdily walk through the crowd.  It’s obvious they aren’t here for our cause.  More so looking for a party in hopes of forgetting their names, while playing the “who’s the first to puke” game.

My assistant Seth, sees me, and runs up. He is dressed in cargo shorts, and a white t-shirt, with the “no” sign over a red and yellow m.  He and I met inadvertently when word first leaked out about this.  In our mutual alarm, we quickly brain-stormed this event.  Seth reports. “Bad news.  There are ignited, overturned trash cans over on Sixth.”

“Oh no, please no,” I respond.  “The police and fire  department will show up…and they won’t be happy.”

“Yes, and two of the guys on Washington Avenue confirm two pick-up trucks have been overturned!”

A new group of people walk by us yelling for all to hear.  in a show of strength, they are moving toward the building.

“Surround the building!,” and shouts of “we’ll show them,” are heard.  Others yell back in affirmation.

“This can’t be happening.  Our message will be lost,”  I say.  Seth rushes away promising to get back to me shortly.  The crowd now is just too big to control. This is not what we had hoped. About fifteen yards away, a new group is huddled up.  Someone in the middle is obviously giving direction.  I don’t recognize any of these people.

As I approach, I see bricks, and gathered rocks being passed out.  With these materials in hand, they are ordered to join the group surrounding the building.  Vandalism and damage is the new goal.

In my alarm. I run into the center of this group waving my arms, and yelling, “STOP!  STOP! You can’t do this!  We are not here to damage anything!.  This won’t work, or prove anything!”  For the moment, I have their attention.  One of the group muttered, “who the heck is he?”  Another chimed in, “I dunno.  Some freak.  Lets get on with this.”

Before the group moves, Seth comes sprinting back, pushing and shoving people aside.  His cell phone is held high above him.  He approaches with authority, yelling “WAIT!…WAAIITTT! ..MOVE!…OUT OF THE WAY!!!”  As he reaches us, he doubles over, out of breath. He hands me the phone, hoping his heartbeat returns to normal soon.  I take the phone and place it to my ear.  I hear a voice.  “Mr. Winger?  This is,..” something- something, I can barely hear him.  I then hear. “CEO,” ..something something.

“Yes, hello?…hello?,,,I can barely hear you.”  I try to shush the people around me.  I raise my other arm high above my head in a “time-out” fashion.

The voice continues.  “…and I am happy to report the McRib sandwich will stay on the menu.  You got that?  The McRib will stay on the menu.”  In my disbelief, I slowly reply with, “Oh……OK”  “Good day, sir.” the voice signs off.  The connection is gone.

In my disbelief, I remove the cell phone from my ear, and slowly lift my head to address the crowd.  The crowd eerily has gone silent.  I announce to the hushed mob all around what just transpired. This great news is clearly understood by all who can hear my voice.

The crowd of thousands, remain frozen in place.  The calm lingers.

One voice from within the breaks the stillness  saying, …“Oh…. Never mind.”  The people dispersed quickly and immediately.  The city is returned to normal in minutes.  As the thousands vacate the area, rumblings and mumbling of, “sorry, my bad,” are heard.

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This story, although embellished for fiction, is based on a real event in 2015 in Santa Clarita, California.