Held Up Part 1

This past weekend, we had our second garage sale. A friend of the family wanted to add some of their things to the batch and we agreed. However, once I saw one of those things included a tray filled with forks and sharp knives, I changed my mind. There was no way I would put those weapons on display inviting a possible assault. Yes, I know. I sound a little paranoid, but it’s all because of my past.

Back in my early twenties, I managed our family owned florist shop. Seems like a perfectly safe environment, right? I thought so, even after I snipped my forearm instead of the rose stems and needed my first batch of stitches. What I never imagined was that a couple of teenage boys would come into my store and change my life forever. They handed an empty coffee cup to the employee at the front counter and told her they were armed. Although, they never displayed a weapon, she took their word for it. I can’t say I blame her. Unfortunately, the punks must’ve figured this was an easy target because they returned a month later with another empty cup. The store was loaded with customers, so they left, but the employee recognized them.

Considering the teens botched their last attempt at robbing our place, they had to come up with a better plan. This time, they entered the store wearing hats and scarves to conceal their identity. It was the middle of winter, so I didn’t think anything of it. In fact, they had already been there once that day and said they’d be back later. When they returned, I went into promotion mode and had them follow me into our large walk-in cooler. They hesitated, but joined me. I showed them our rose bouquets and other flowers. The guys wouldn’t make eye contact with me and seemed preoccupied or nervous. Maybe they were uncomfortable buying flowers. One of them mumbled something to me, but I didn’t catch it.

He pulled a knife from his jacket and pointed it at me.

To be continued...