The whole interaction with the man likely took less than 90 seconds. Just WHEN was she suppose to call the police or even store security. He was already gone. When you are faced with this kind of aggression, you are more shocked than anything.
She's a writer, of COURSE she's going to write about it. That's what writers DO. I think her retrospection was more about no one manking any attempt to even make sure that she and her son were ok, yet alone no one trying to get the man away from the kid.
My kid use to wear dresses all the time as a toddler, he loved dress up. He loved playing with Polly Pockets. He sounds a lot like this kid, loved "boy" stuff and "girl" stuff. I can see her point in mentioning that, just showing your kid is accepting and well rounded. BTW, my daughters favorite dress up was being a fireman. She was very clear that she was a fireMAN.
If we're not having fun, then why are we doing it?
These are DISCUSSION boards, not mutual admiration boards. Discussion only occurs when we are willing to hear what others are thinking, regardless of whether it is alignment to our own thoughts.