in my leave of absence

I stepped out the elevator, right foot, left foot.

My eyes were fixed on the glowing screen in my hand as I spoke to my friend walking alongside me.

The lobby was empty and quiet, it felt as safe as always.

My friend and I greeted our favorite front desk workers as we passed the check in counter.

My stomach made an ungodly noise as I picked up the Cup of Noodles. 

My mouth watered at the thought of grabbing the cup out of the microwave.

I pulled a twenty out of my wallet to pay for dinner when.....

ENTER: two males. faces concealed. armed.

It took me a moment to realize the intent of the new "guests" arriving.

Stricken with panic I turn to face my friend who is white as a ghost backed into the wall hands raised where you could see them.

I turn to face one of the front desk workers and my eyes are staring down a barrel of a gun. 

I don't remember hearing anything they said, everything was white noise.

Surrendering my wallet, (yes my full wallet with my school ID, driver's license, and medical insurance card) I felt heat rise to my cheeks.

The panic I felt in that moment was indescribable, there is no way to tell you the helplessness of having a gun pointed at you.

You don't know if it's loaded, if they intend to shoot it. 

The only thought running through my head was that I wasn't ready to die, I wanted nothing more than to not be shot. 

Then my mind was truly running as I thought of my mother waiting for me to return to the room with her bottle of water she'd asked for. 

What if I didn't make it? Would she be asked to identify my body? How could I do that to her?

As the two individuals focused their attention on raiding the register and safe, I looked for any space to hide or shield myself behind.

I made my way toward a small crack between the wall and an ATM machine.

There was no way for me to fit, but fear is more powerful than logic in a situation as I found myself. 

I still didn't hear or comprehend anything, I just tucked my head toward the wall and ducked down. 

If I got shot maybe I wouldn't be fatally wounded.

An overwhelming wave of relief came over me as I watched those two individuals make their escape. 

The lights above me started flashing and my feet began to lead me towards the elevator.

My friend followed close behind as the employees yelled at us to get to our rooms.

The fire alarms were blasting as I regained my hearing, but I still pressed the button for the elevators.

I'd much rather be stuck in an elevator, than chance taking the stairs where they might reenter the hotel.

Composing myself and thanking God that he spared my life, I turned to my dear friend. 

Her face was red and breath uneven as the anxiety of what we had just gone through sunk in. 

We got to the fourth floor and I led her to her room, then ran to rejoin my mother.

As I reunited with my mom, I really thought I might not be able to hug her again, and I just remember not wanting to let go.

In the end, one of the employees had pulled the fire alarm and scared aways the two men. 

I truly hope that you never experience this my friends, please stay safe always. Xx