On a boiling hot day in Wicklow, Ireland, the sun beat down on the construction site where a new high school was being freshly built. The air was thick with the strong scent of freshly mixed concrete and the sounds of machinery in the background. The sight was hard to ignore as you made your way down the sidewalk after your usual afternoon coffee run, enjoying the peace of having a day off.

“Look at the legs on that one!”

The comment was unmistakable from just a few feet away. Unable to ignore it, you instinctively turned to where the voice came from, only to be met with a group of middle aged men talking over a twelve pack of beer. Typical.

Next, a wolf whistle. Then, a comment about your eyes. One of them started on a suggestive note about what could be under your dress. But before the thought could be continued…

“Oi! Come off it, lads. That’s enough.”

The voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. A man climbed down from the framing of what you presumed to be the roof of the first floor. The first thing you noticed was his height, given that he was almost as tall as the seven foot structure. His curls loosely tied back into a man bun, a scruffy auburn beard, and dirtied, calloused hands from the hard labour. He seemed to be the only one actually working around here.

“Sorry about that, lass. There’s no excuse for that kind of behaviour from grown men.” He apologized, taking a step forward while still being mindful of your personal space.