Little White Lies

I have to 'fess up to a little white lie. It happened on the way to work.

Lately I've noticed a group of high school kids gathering in the edge of the Arboretum nearest the train station to hang out before catching he bus/train to school. They stand around in their hooded sweatshirts smoking up, trying to look tough, and generally just lending a hooliganish air to the far end of the Arb. And I've noticed an increase in graffiti. And I don't like it.

So as two of the kids were walking towards me, I casually mentioned, "Hey, you know there's coyotes out here, right?"
Their eyes bugged out a bit. "Coyotes?! Will they attack?"
I shrugged, "Probably not. But I'd keep my eyes open if I were you." And I walked off. 

Now there really ARE coyotes. And they probably WON'T attack. That was all true. Those kids will likely never see the wildlife that calls the Arb home. But will they fear it enough to see it? Or hear it lurking nearby? Especially if they've been smoking a bit and are a tad paranoid?

Well, that's my hope. So while I did not technically utter any false statements, my implied message was a little less than honest...

Father forgive me, for I have sinned.

But given the increase in hooliganism, I will probably sin again. Maybe next time about a rabid skunk. Or mean dog that got loose. What do you think wannabe high school punks are more afraid of?