He's most likely robbing the bank as a paycheck on the world for winning the ugliness prize at his local fete three years running.

You cannot be afraid, Read the book. Smile at it. It's a great book-the greatest book you've ever read.

The thrill of being ignored!

...they watched the humans disappear. They watched them dissolve, like moving tablets in the humid air.

I’m Angelina,” she says. “Are you here to save us?” I can see a tiny spark of hope awaken in her eyes. “You’re right, Angelina - I’m here to save you.” “Can you? Really?” “I’ll try,” I say and the girl smiles.

...and the night is so deep and dark that I wonder if the sun will ever come up.

Warily, she dares to allow me a smile. "It's okay. It's just...I'm not too good at talking to people." She looks away again as her shyness smothers her. "So, do you think it'd be all right if we don't talk?