Michael was in shock. He couldn't move, he couldn't even breathe. The woman looked at him with dark eyes through her sunglasses and smiled sarcastically at him. "I think you know what comes next." she hissed. There was evil in her voice. Michael did know what came next; he opened the register and cleaned out every penny. She leaned in closer to Michael and pulled the gun from her pocket, aiming it directly at his chest. "Take my advice," she said. "Keep your hand at the level of your eyes." With that, the woman puuled the gun back and placed it safely in her black purse. She turned and headed for the exit.

When she had one foot out the door, she turned back and glared at Michael through her glasses; then she was gone. Michael continued watching her as she casually walked up the street. As she disappeared from sight, Michael whispered quietly, "I love you."

The rest of the day came without event. There were no more customers that day so Erica and Michael left early. When Erica tried to say good bye to him, Michael kept on walking, completely ignoring her. He walked the route home in dead silence. Unable to get the woman out of his mind. Then he remembered what she said, "Keep your hand at the level of your eyes." Could that mean she was looking for him? He certainly hoped so. Nevermind the circumstances, he just wanted to see her again. Although with every step along that barren road, Michael's fear grew that she would pop out from among the trees and kill him. He looked around cautiously scanning his surroundings for any sight of the woman. When he arrived back at his apartment, he felt relieved yet disappointed. He had returned home unharmed, but his desire to see the woman was too strong.

That night, Michael had fallen asleep on the couch. In his dreams, he was with her, alone in a private oasis. They ran under the waterfall and wrapped their arms around each other. As they leaned in to kiss, there was a knocka the door, awakening Michael. He rose disappointedly to answer the door. But when Michael opened the door, he got the shock of his life.

There she was.

Michael nearly jumped out of his skin and took a few steps back. The sight of her overjoyed yet terrified him. She stepped inside. "Well, I knew I'd find you." she said evily. Michael's eyes widened in shock. She HAD been looking for him. He couldn't find the words to say. "W-who a-are..." he stammered. "Never mind who I am!" she napped. "I only come here on business terms." Michael was confused. "I just wanted your complete assurance that you have no intention of reporting today's incident to anyone." He didn't know what to do but finally he said "I won't." "Good" she said and turned to leave. "If... you tell me who you are." Michael finished. She turned and glared at Michael with daggers in her eyes. "Excuse me?" she hissed. "Tell me who you are... or I'll turn you in." Michael said bravely. The two stood in silence for a few moments then she put her hands on her hips. "My name is Svetlana, that's all you ever need to know." she said plainly. With that, she left. Michael stood in shock once more. "I love you...Svetlana."