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The room spun. A miasma of fish odor hung around him, preventing him from breathing. Joshua was dripping sweat, and his stomach churned and his gag reflex kicked in. Vomit spewed everywhere - a mixture of strawberry cream soda and half digested egg - on the floor, on the shop owner, and all over the fish. Joshua’s mouth reeked of bile and his head felt like it was going to explode. He had to remind himself that he and his friends were in the middle of robbing a store. He saw the vomit-covered proprietor anguishing over the ruined fish. Joshua whirled around and and looked in the direction of Tyler and Ethan. They were motioning for him to get out of there. The man turned to look at the boy who had unintentionally ruined much of his fish stock, followed his gaze across the store, and saw the two boys with sacks full of rice. Understanding clicked in the old man’s mind, and he began shrieking at the three of them.
Joshua bolted for the door, then felt himself falling towards the ground, his arms outstretched to break his fall. The old man tripped me! He scrambled to his feet, and saw that the man was almost to the door. He’s quicker than I would have thought! He was obviously more intent on the two young hooligans who were carrying sacks full of his rice. Tyler and Ethan were already out the door, and the old man got there just as Aiden rolled a big heavy trash can in front of it, blocking him in. Joshua saw Ethan hand Aiden one of the bags full of rice, and the three of them bolted down the street. Now what am I supposed to do? Luck was with him, as the man, more intent upon chasing the boys with his rice, disregarded Joshua, and shoved on the door until it came open. he ran out the store to the right, in the direction the five boys had gone. Joshua was right behind him, and he split off down the road to the left. The scene had obviously caused a commotion as several people were gawking and pointing at the shop owner and the five boys he was chasing. A couple of men took up chase as well.
Joshua’s legs burned as he pumped them quickly down the road. At he first cross-street, he turned left, and then cut left again a block later. His breathing was labored, and his legs sore, and he pulled up to a stop. The vile taste in his mouth compounded his misery. I guess I need to try and meet up with the other guys at the alley next to Sixth and Main. He took off down the road, trying to keep a low profile, but feeling more confident now that no one was following him.