Grandma was right, nothing good ever happens in a bank, thought Zinnia as she crouched down with her hands clasped and fingers interlocked above her head.

Groaning deep inside she wondered how the hell her life got to this point. Wouldn't it be so much easier if there were signposts along the way saying 'Warning! Make this choice and your life is pretty much over at 23!' She would've definitely paid attention to that kind of warning instead of the constant nagging from her parents telling her she'd never amount to anything. The continuous taunts and snide remarks from her over-achieving brothers and her career-driven parents, always making her feel out of place, like a chicken in a nest of owls.

Sighing from the depths of her soul, Zinnia contemplated that perhaps her parents were right all along causing her to feel even more despair in her current situation.

Would they even miss me? She wondered, unsure whether she'd get through the next hour let alone wake up the next day. Nah, they'd probably be relieved someone took out the trash for them.

Realising how pessimistic her thoughts had become, Zinnia couldn't prevent a groan of self-loathing from leaking out. Startled, she ducked her head into her knees and gripped her fingers behind her head tighter, hoping she hadn't drawn any attention to herself.

Thud, thud, thud, please pass me by, please! Zinnia prayed fervently but the universe was determined to humble her today. Was it the footsteps or her heart thudding in her ears? She didn't think it mattered, all it sounded like was her doom inexorably making its way towards her. The footsteps stopped and a harsh whisper on a warm breath soon caressed the back of her neck, making her flinch.

"Sshhh little lady, our boss really doesn't like anyone going against his orders, so keep your groans inside your belly before something nasty happens, hm?"

Zinnia nodded her head quickly, her long brown hair shaking behind her. She wished she'd worn her hair down today, instead of up, exposing her neck and ears. It was a silly thought but somehow she felt protected when she could look out at the world passing by from behind her thick brown hair. It was like a curtain between her and those she wanted to keep at bay. She had thought today would be a good day to face the world. Silly Zinnia. Thoughtless Zinnia.

Zinnia was pulled abruptly out of her thoughts as a big hand wrapped itself around the bun she had meticulously worked to pin up this morning. Feeling the pull on her head, she didn't dare to resist as she allowed her head to be pulled backwards, meeting the steely gaze of the man who had 'generously' reminded her on how to survive this ordeal. For a second her wide, hazel eyes met his, before she swiftly looked down, squeezing her eyes shut.