I recall the day I lobbed a snowball at a girl from down the street (I’m a guy). I imagine I was in the 2nd grade or so. I remember thinking it was way too far, but what the heck.
Well, that thing took wings - sailed at LEAST 200 feet (well - it seemed so at the time) and hit her square in the face. She turned and ran home, and I ran home - crying.
Yes I got in trouble for it!
And at 17 years old, obviously would depend on the circumstances. It probably wasn’t a mutual snowball fight. Picking on the geeky kid walking home from school - sounds about the right punishment. Maybe a bit harsh from the old days. Although I know some of my buddies would have preferred this compared to the beating they got from their dads doing a similar thing.
perhaps it is a case of just one too many snowballs or insults or harrassment....the proverbial last straw....