So, apparently when I posted about having a rough August (already!) this morning... I was taunting the universe. And I did NOT mean to!
So today, it's almost noon and I'm alone at work (as I usually am at that time of day). I have maybe 10 people in my store, 2 kids, the rest women from teenagers to at least 3 elderly women.
I'm actually quite busy, which in the end I am immensely thankful for.
I look up as two people enter the store, although I am deep in mid-conversation with an elderly woman. She doesn't notice, but I stop dead in my tracks and time slows down to a point that doesn't even seem real.
The two people enter my store, wearing the following:
All-black full-body sleeves, with a white mask over the top.
My body was white-hot and cold-as-ice at the same time. I swear I could feel the ends of my hair.
(I flashed back to a class I took in college - about how important it is to gather details in the moment and cement them into your mind ASAP - because the second the situation ends, everyone starts planting misinformation by accident.)
I am ignoring my customer by now, and loudly tell them that they need to take the masks off. They simultaneously slide them up onto their heads... but of course, they've got black fabric covering their faces. The slick moves definitely freak me out.
"I'm sorry, you can't wear those in here....," I find myself saying. How I got the courage to speak up, I have no idea. I honestly don't know where the instinct comes from, but there are all these innocent people just standing there and I can't think of what else to do.
The two figures plant themselves in place - like square their shoulders and set their hips, like they aren't going to move for a while. I literally can't even breathe, and I feel a flush break out on my chest.
I can tell that the person closest to me is male - just from his shoulders and body shape. He's just a tiny bit shorter than me, and I can't imagine he has a weapon stashed anywhere. Stupid me - I don't think to look at either of their shoes. And I really don't look much at the person further away.
And just like that, they turn and walk out.
I sprint to the store phone and call (STUPID STUPID STUPID move) mall security. They used to be amazing, run by a man who could be my father... and today? I'm not sure they even made it into the mall to search for these losers.
And like an idiot, I don't call 911. Because what would I say - two kids in bodysuits made me scared and made EVERYONE in the store have a panic attack? The next customer that I helped was shaking so bad I made her sit down.
So.
Next time you think it's a good idea to post about how rough August has been - it could have been MUCH worse. And if I find out tomorrow that the morons went on to rob a bank... well, it'll make me the worst person on the planet for not calling 911.
So, how was YOUR Friday?!
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10 Classy Comments:
Oh my gosh Sarah! How frightening! I'm not sure I would have even been as brave as you were. I might have just fainted on the spot!
O.M.G! I would have been scared out of my wits. Maybe it was just some guys having their version of "fun." It immediately brought back memories of the time I was in my local grocery store, at the checkstand, and two guys came in with guns and started shooting the cash registers to open them. I, and most others, very silently and quickly walked to the back of the store. It was so scary. I get nervous now just thinking about it. You were very brave, and I'm thankful that you and your customers weren't robbed.
OMG! OMG! How crazy!! I think I would have curled up in a ball under the counter! Ok August enough drama for Sarah!
What a horrible experience. But don't beat yourself over it. Glad you and your customers are safe!
oh. my. god. I have chills reading this. I watch far too many terrible TV shows and you are far far braver than I, since I probably would've ditched the old lady and RAN and dove behind the counter or something.
p.s., now that we like email sometimes and stuff I've always been SO CURIOUS and am dying to know, if you don't mind sharing-....where do you work? haha
How ridiculous! I used to say some crazy stuff when I worked at a bookstore, but nothing on this level. So glad you're all right!
*see some crazy stuff, I should have said. More coffee!
I'm sorry this happened, but if those losers rob a bank it won't make you the worst person in the world, it'll make them the worst person in the world! I think that given they didn't actually do anything, you made the right choice. Just think, the only way is up now... !
Regan
Ok, 1 more bad thing and I'm booking a flight to Indy. I need to bring you a blanket, bottle of wine, and lots and lots of girl time.
I'm thinking about you girl.
And read this post aloud to Joel and he commented on how SERIOUSLY brave you were and how I would have run out and left all of my customers to fend for themselves. You rock.
Oh goodness, that is so freaky! Was it like a flash mob or something?
But you should be able to call mall security and feel safe that they can handle those things. If not, you'll remember to call 911 the next time! So crazy!
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