The Lion Shrine is a beloved statue that marks the pride and power of the Nittany Lions. Thousands of people who set foot on Penn State's campus take their picture at this infamous statue. But this night was unlike any other.
"Come on, don't just stand there...climb on its back or do something interesting!" a Penn State student yelled to her friend from her perspective behind the camera.
"Are you sure I can even if I don't go here?" her friend asked as she shot a concerned look at the intimidating stone lion next to her.
"Haha, what...are you afraid it's going to bite you? Just do it."
"If, you're sure..."
Before she could attempt to climb up, a voice shouted, "Get down on the ground!" She did. Instantly. As she looked up from her new position on the damp October ground, she saw her friend's face fill with terror. A second man was pointing a handgun at her as she too met the ground. The two guys were African American, college-aged, wearing dark sweatshirts and demanded all their money.
"But, but, I don't have any money on me," the first girl croaked through sobs of fear.
"Me neither" said her friend, equally as terrified of their fates. Without waiting for more excuses, the man without the gun began to search both the girls' pockets. They were telling the truth. No money. Looks were exchanged between both parties; the girls read each others' faces for ideas and the guys nodded in agreement of their next unspoken plan. They stole the girls' jewelry, cellphones and camera. Then, they fled.
http://live.psu.edu/story/55578
Really nice use of dialogue, Alison. But starting with the Nittany Lion statue is a bit distracting, especially the way you are talking about what it means in an expository manner. I always suggest starting off with people or a person, and then building a world of action around them. Does that make sense?
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