“Open the register and give us all the cash,” the voice behind the mask threatened. My entire body felt frozen and unwilling to move, my hands shaking at my sides. It took all my energy to make a slow step towards the cash register. The man moved directly behind me and I could feel the cold metal of the gun press against the back of my skull. Tears threatened to spill from my eyes and my throat burned as I came to stand in front of the register, my brain turning to a cloud of fog as I stumbled over the pin.
“Open it, now,” he demanded again, and I willed myself to take a deep breath. My eyes came up to meet Joey, who had her arms held behind her back with wide eyes that poured tears down her face. Her own gunman pressed against her side, not allowing her to move. Focus, Allison, I command
