Chapter 1: A Surreal Christmas Eve

On the evening of December 23, 2000, at approximately 7 PM, I was working in a technology shop when two masked individuals entered, brandishing weapons. The store was bustling with around thirty to forty customers, all engaged in their last-minute Christmas shopping. I was positioned near the entrance when the chaos began.

Suddenly, two men wearing masks and sunglasses stormed in. Before I could comprehend the situation, one of them had a gun aimed at my head while another pressed a shotgun against my abdomen. I was immobilized by fear.

"Put your hands up; this is a robbery!" one of the robbers barked. A few patrons glanced over but returned to their shopping, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding drama. The second robber, who appeared to be the leader, raised his shotgun higher and shouted the command again. At that moment, everyone understood the severity of the situation, and panic ensued as some women screamed in terror.

They instructed all customers and employees to move to the back of the store, while I remained in front, a hostage to their threats. The n