Terrified!

A couple days ago, Nick and I were watching our local evening news. On the broadcast was a story about a robber (near downtown) who has been approaching people as they are getting into or out of their vehicles. The robber gives some story about needing money for gas or needing a ride to a job interview, but then proceeds to pull out a gun and rob the individuals. One person was even forced at gunpoint to drive the man to a different location. Scary to hear about this psycho in our area, but we live in a great part of town, so I didn't really think anything of it. Until the next day, when I ventured downtown. I had to go to this music store to pick up a couple books I had ordered for a piano student of mine. I had just dropped Nixan off at pre-school and drove into town, only to realize that the store didn't open for another 10 minutes. So I was content to sit in the car and listen to Glenn Beck for a bit until the store opened. Turns out that wasn't the best idea. As I was sitting there, I noticed a shabby, unkept guy walking across the parking lot. I acted as though I hadn't noticed him. Then he started walking straight towards me. I could tell that he was definitely coming to approach me. I immediately locked the doors, right before he started talking to me (through the window...which I had not unrolled). He asked me, "I need some gas money, can you help me out?" A RED FLAG went up in my mind...did this guy just ask me for gas money? My heart started to pound. I reached for my keys. I shook my head no and said (through the glass) that I don't carry cash (I rarely do). Just then, I saw him reach for something inside his pocket. Another RED FLAG!!! I started the car and began to pull away when I heard him say, "All I got is 40 cents." In my peripheral vision, I saw his hand come out of his pocket, full of coins. Whew! And I thought he was pulling a gun... My heart was beating so fast as I drove off! I drove around for a while, until I felt okay to return. The whole encounter was so terrifying! But, I'm glad it ended fine...so grateful!