"Wait, man, we didn't mean it!" the big-looking delinquent pleaded, raising his trembling hands.
"Yeah, we were just joking around!" another chimed in, glancing around nervously.
"One," Asher started counting.
"Sorry! We're leaving!" they shouted as they rushed outside.
Once they were gone, the silence in the store returned, interrupted only by the soft hum of the commercial refrigerators.
Asher took a moment to collect himself, reflecting on how effective the gun had been in that situation.
If he had attempted to talk his way out of the situation, the delinquents might not have taken him seriously, which could have made the situation worse.
Meanwhile, the cashier, who had been peeking through her arms, finally straightened up.
As the last of the delinquents dashed out the door, she let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding.
She had been awake the whole time and had watched everything unfold
