My brother-in-law, John is a night owl and likes to ride his bike to the corner video store to rent a movie. It was almost closing time at the video store when he walked up to the counter to pay for his movie when a guy walked in with a paper bag over his head holding a gun. Since Halloween was only as few weeks ago, John thought this was a remnant costume left over, he thought it was just one of the video clerks’ friends who came to pick him up to go out after his shift, he thought it was a scene of a movie he should have rented. But when the armed robber started waving his gun at John and asked him to move to the far corner of the video store while the clerk emptied the cash register, John realized this was not a joke.
Suddenly fear permeated the store, the silence and the sound of the robber’s voice with specific life-threatening instructions felt heavy and paralyzing. John was now at the mercy of a confused, intoxicated, distressed and troubled man.
From innocence to horror within seconds- What happens when this reality check hits us point blank and we realize our lives are in danger? When our leader becomes dangerous and we have little choice but to surrender to their harmful and threatening agenda?
John is okay- has a new heroic story to share for Thanksgiving. But John will never be the same nor will the 20-year old video clerk who works night shifts to help pay for college. All for a mere $179 dollars made from Monday night business.
Walk slowly, pay attention and stay out of confused and crazed convicts way.
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