Name Here

The Robber y

By: Author’s Name

We were walking back towards the car after an exciting day at Playland Park. Most amusement parks in Ecuador were old and most of the thrills you got were from the fear of death that arose when riding the extremely old attractions. After leaving the park with substantial amount of “close calls”, we packed into my Cousin Elias’s sedan. There were 10 of us and only 1 car so as we crammed in, we began debating on where to grab a quick bite. Among all the options offered, tacos became the primary candidate to satisfy our empty stomachs. I became filled with anticipation for the meal we were going to have.

Elias drove as quickly as possible, arriving at the destination in only 7 minutes. As we got there, we saw the normal crowd of people clustered in front of the small hole in the wall that was Tacos Mexicanos. As we drove closer to the location, dread filled each and every one of us as we realized they were closed. We stopped the car and once again 16 TheEcho

had to go through the pain staking process of deciding where to eat. This time the enthusiasm level dropped as we realized nothing would be better than a couple of tacos.

“El Capi” was the restaurant that changed my perception on life. We decided to go there out of lack of options, and as we drove they explained to me that it was a sandwich restaurant that had many delicious options to choose from. When we arrived, we quickly staked our territory, pulling tables closer together and gathering chairs to sit in. My cousin volunteered to go up and order the food and we all agreed. Soon everyone at the table began recounting the night. Laughing and joke telling ensued, reliving the funny moments at the park. Everyone was having a great time; happiness was abundant as we smiled and laughed.

But then it came.

There was a rush of movement by the front entrance. About 8 men ran in through the door, some jumping over the cashier and Fallln4 17

others staying in the seating area. They were menacing humans, their clothes worn out and their expression showed the lack of consideration for life. They were truly frightening. I watched as they all took out weapons, weapons that could easily take the life of any person currently in the room. I was soon struck by the shear incredulous situation I was in. Just a few seconds ago, I was laughing and joking around with my family and friends. Yet in such little time all the joy and laughter was stole from us and dumped in its place was fear.

It was an ugly sensation, the feeling of fear taking over your senses. It creeps into you and intensifies every second you let it stay. I could hear my heart beating, gaining momentum. Its usual cadence pace became a quick fast paced tempo. I could see everything, yet nothing. I stopped perceiving the world around me, 18 TheFrll>

and saw only the weapons pointed at anyone who seemed like a threat.

Regaining the little courage I had, I slowly angled my body towards the checkout station. That was when I saw him. My cousin was on his knees, heads down and arms on his head. Just four centimeters away was a gun pointed directly at his forehead.

What can I do? This thought ran through my head an infinite amount of times in my head in many different situations. Yet on that day, that very second, it became my life question. My family, no, my blood, would be spilt out in front of me. I knew that this could be a possibility and yet I kept sitting there. Never in my life had I felt so useless.

I glanced away for two seconds and remembered who I was sitting next to. I felt her Fall2014 19