At about 10:30, I heard yelling outside our bedroom window. This isn't uncommon- usually it's a drunk person or a group of rowdy tourists/concert-goers. After a minute though, I thought something seemed off so I went to the window and saw a man throwing a woman to the ground, dragging and pushing her. I ran to the living room and told Nate while I called 911. Nate went out to the balcony while I was on the phone with the dispatcher. He started yelling at the man to stop. A Door-Dasher stopped, got out, and also called the police, so the man left.
I went down to sit with the woman while we waited for the police. Nate stayed on the balcony to be on the lookout for both the police and the man (in case he returned). The woman, the Door-Dasher, and I waited for 45 minutes for the police to come. While we waited, we talked- about meatballs vs meat sauce, about our kids, about where we grew up. She also had me take pictures of the goose-egg bruise on her forehead, write down all her details and the details on the man who attacked her (a former partner).
The police finally arrived and took our statements. Nate brought the woman ice, ibuprofen, and some cash (Thank you, Grandpa, for the money you send! We put it to good use!) and we drove her to a family member's apartment nearby. Nate was also able to give her contact information for a housing and food resource that he works with.
I'm thankful we were able to help. I'm thankful for a partner who wants to be as loving and helpful as I do. I'm also thankful I'm working from home tomorrow, because it's after midnight and I know I won't be able to sleep for a while yet.
