Please, Stay Safe

His friends turned and followed his gaze. They saw a tall man in a formal suit holding a gallon. He looked like he just walked out of a scary movie. His mask covered his face, but they could sense his cold aura.

"Freak," one of them said aloud, as they hastily made their way into the store. They wanted to avoid any trouble with him, for now.

Callum didn't pay them any heed. He didn't care what they thought of him. He made his way to the gas pump and set the gallon down. He opened the cover and picked up the lever on the pump handle. He pressed down on it and heard the gas flowing into the gallon.

Suddenly, he heard the sound of a bottle falling on the ground. He turned and looked over to the building. He saw Lucia standing at the counter, holding a bottle of water and some snacks. She looked scared and confused.

Callum saw a guy pointing a gun at Lucia. She looked terrified as she raised her hands in the air. He felt his blood freeze over as he abandoned the gallon and ran towards the scene. He kicked the door open, making a loud noise that drew everyone's attention.

Lucia saw him and felt a glimmer of hope. She had tears in her eyes. She saw his tall figure standing at the entrance, radiating anger. Although he wore a mask, but she could sense his emotions.

One of the hoodlums moved the gun away from Lucia and aimed it at Callum. "Don't move, or I'll shoot!" he shouted.

Lucia screamed, "He hasn't done anything wrong!"

The cashier was sweating buckets as he slowly reached for his weapon under the counter. He wanted to stop the robbery, but he was afraid of getting shot.

Callum saw him out of the corner of his eye, but he didn't react. His expression behind his mask was calm, as if he was calculating something.

One of the hoodlums laughed mockingly and moved closer to Lucia. He put his arm around her and said, "Would you look at that? The masked couple are trying to protect each other. How cute."

He squeezed her waist, making her wince. Lucia wanted to beat him up, but she didn't want to put Callum in danger.

"Take your hands off her," Callum said in a low and dangerous voice.

The hoodlum smirked "Ho ho, will you look at that? The power of love."

He moved his other hand to grab Lucia's cheek and said, "You better behave, mister, if you don't want any harm to come to your girl."

The cashier finally raised his firearm and fired at the hoodlums. The sound of the gunshot echoed in the store, making everyone duck for cover.

The hoodlum with the gun fired back randomly, hoping to hit someone. It was a terrifying scene, as bullets flew everywhere.

Lucia ducked for cover behind the counter, hoping to avoid getting shot.

Callum sprang into action and moved towards Lucia. He grabbed her by the hand and pulled her closer to him. He shielded her with his body, to protect her from the bullets.

He held her close and whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, I'm here."

He felt her trembling in his arms.

Callum looked into Lucia's eyes and said, "Don't worry, nothing's going to happen to you. Do you trust me?" 

Lucia was too shocked to speak, but she nodded. She trusted him, even though she barely knew him. 

"Stay back here, I'll be right back," Callum said, as he got ready to move. 

Lucia grabbed his jacket and pulled him back. She looked into his eyes again, "Please, stay safe." 

Callum smiled and nodded. "I will." 

She slowly let go of his jacket. As he disappeared from her sight, leaving her alone behind the counter. Lucia buried her head between her knees and prayed that he would be alright. Soon screams followed by the sounds of gunshots rang out in the store. Lucia heard them cursing and trying to regroup.

Lucia didn't know how much time had passed until the store became utterly silent. Not hearing any more gunshots or screams. She wondered if it was over.