Abby stood in front of the display for the longest time, staring at the boxes staring back at her. She was aware of the people around her, saying "excuse me" as they jutted in front or behind her, but she didn't really pay much attention. Her attention was upon the different boxes stacked upon each other, each section holding a different design or picture.
Some were simple colors, not as eye catching as the others whom held pictures of their products, or of happiness. Buying this box meant happiness for approximately 95% of the buyers; Abby just happened to fit into the 5% whom were completely terrified of even touching it.
"Having trouble deciding?"
Abby was startled back to real life, and found a short, rounded older lady standing next to her in the aisle. The lady smiled at her kindly, sensing her uncertainty, and picked up a simple blue and white box with gold lettering. "This one has always been a good one," she said softly, pressing the box into Abby's hands. "Quick answers and it's discreet, just in case you don't want anyone prying into your business."
Abby nodded, placing the box into the shopping basket hanging on her arm. "Thank you," she said softly, her eyes holding her nervousness.
She prayed the entire time she held that box in her possession, unaware of the world around her. She didn't hear the honking of car horns as she ran down the sidewalk, her iPod blasting DeathToll in her ears. She never saw the homeless people struggling to stay warm in the cold, wet weather. She never felt the rain falling around her as she fumbled for the keys to her apartment, unaware that the door was already unlocked.
Abby screamed.
End of Prologue