It was a busy day in the mall, Christmas lights blazing loud and clear. Children running around giggling as they interact with the people in suits and take festive photos. Taking sips of my flavored sparkling water, I made my way into the bustling Video game store. Intent on buying a gift for my siblings at the orphanage. They’d been talking about it to the head director all the time so i’d saved some money to surprise them. Smiling to myself I stood in line tapping my pocket listening to my favorite music.

Finally getting to the counter, I gave my name to the clerk who clearly wasn't a fan of the holidays, his monotone and tired eyes gave it away. He deserves a little tip right? Surely working on this holiday meant hardly a break and it was nearly 4 o’clock in the evening. After receiving my presents I went next door to the bank. Standing behind a woman and her 2 kids.

20 minutes into the line and That's when everything went wrong. Four men in black came storming into the bank holding guns. Immediately little kids began screaming and women hugged their children all except the lady in front of me. She grabbed two and pushed one of them forward and he fell to the ground. My eyes widened in shock. She must not love this child.

“GET ON THE GROUND OR WE’LL SHOOT!!” Quickly people coward on the ground whimpering while the tellers quickly stuff money into bags. The boy on the floor next to me crawls to his mom seeking solace when she pushes him forward like a shield. This draws the attention of one man who points the gun at the kid and tells him to get back on the ground. His tears and screams start all over again as his mother refuses to place him down from her face.

“PUT THE KID DOWN AND GET ON THE GROUND SLUT!” This woman was using her child and a robber had no qualms about shooting as he got closer. WIthout thinking I quickly yanked the kid from his mom and cuddled him in my chest patting his head to calm him down.

His small body clinging to me for life I rock him and whisper words of encouragement. With my back now to the robber he kicks me hard and demands for my money. I cursed myself for having gotten involved with such an ugly woman using her child. I push my bag forward using my hand refusing to show the child to the robber.

Apparently this was bad and he took no thought to shooting me in my leg. The child tightened his grip as I refused to cry out. BULLETS HURT LIKE HELL OMG! I grit my teeth and keep still. He shoots my other leg and I grunt in pain holding the child tighter, wanting to keep him safe like his mother should have done instead of antagonizing this vicious man.

“Bravo stop! We only came here for the money, don't kill the hostages!” Another robber spoke, making me sigh in relief hoping i would be free from this pain.

Not too soon after the words were uttered sirens and policemen lined all sides of the building front and back. They stormed in. Regrettably I loosened my grip on the child too soon and was quickly pulled away by the robber who’d shot my legs. My eyes widened and without thinking i used as much strength as i could to reclaim the child just as the robber shot twice. My body jolted as the hot bullets pierced my skin. I held firmly to the boy, not caring as I fell to my knees.

“You’re okay. Don’t cry little one, you’re safe now.” Sweat pooled on my skin and i knew i wouldt make it. My decision was the right one and I was happy enough to know the child was okay. No longer concerned with time, I clung onto the child and my life as one more bullet pierced my skin. My eyes flashed as I looked up to see the police in front of me securing the men behind me finally.

“Miss, we’re calling an ambulance, hang on. You will be fine. LEt the kid go now.” I relaxed at these words and looked down at the child in my arms with a calm smile “See? You’re just fine. Don't worry. The nice man is gonna make sure you’re alright okay? Then you can go back to your mommy” i said as calm and soft as i could. The child nodded as the police took him away.

The next officer beside me tried to keep me from moving too much and I smiled at him “ Make sure he's okay. His mom tried to use him as a shield. DOnt give him back to her. Take him to the orphanage that's on my business card should she give him up or anything happens. All my belongings should go there too if possible.” As soon as those words left my mouth I passed out and died. UGH is death painful. At least I did something good. I hope that child is okay...