The Carnival

Jason ran up to his friends, breathless. Their faces were lined with concern when they saw that he was very much alone. There was an awkward silence as he hunched over, regaining his breath.

“You didn’t find her, didya?” ventured Pete.

“She would be with him, dummy, wouldn’t she?” Melinda retorted.

“Hey! We’re all worried about her, alright!” Julie snapped at Melinda.

“Did you look everywhere?” Pete asked.

“Oh yeah. Everywhere – the ghost house, the octopus, the ferris wheel, the main tent with the mask, even the food and drink area. Nowhere!” Jason gestured with a swipe of his flat hand.

“Crud! What are we gonna do when her dad arrives to pick us up?” Julie asked.

“Tell him we lost her?” said Melinda, with a hint of venom in her voice. “I told you guys that we should stick together, didn’t I?”

“Yes, Melinda, you did…” chimed Julie, adding some poison of her own.

“Drop it, Melinda!” yelled Jason. “Stop being such a know-it-all, like you usually are!”

“Oh man, what are we gonna do?” said Pete, with a slight quiver in his voice. “What are we gonna do?”

“Find her.” Said Jason, surprising everyone with the sudden conviction in his voice.

“Hey guys and girls” came a familiar voice behind them.

“Hi Mister Hawkins” said the children, simultaneously, and with a hint of fear and sadness.

“Where’s Sally?” asked Andy Hawkins, sensing something was not right in Kansas.

“They lost her,” said Melinda bluntly.

No, Melinda, no-one lost her. She’s gone off on her own trail… We’ll just go in and find her. See, the carnival’s nearly closing, so there won’t be a lot of people, and we’ll find her easily.”

“We did see Craig and Todd and several of their friends,” said Pete, “and maybe she went with them!”

“Maybe, but I told her to wait here with you lot. Anyway let’s go get her.”

A mist began to creep over Coney Island as they walked through the large, slightly weather-worn gates to the Carnival. The tinny carnival music seemed to get a slight echo, and the air started its temperature descent. There were still people milling around, drinking hot chocolate and enjoying the carnival with their children.

As they all walked in, a prickle snaked up the back of Andy’s neck…

We invite you to enter with Brendan Quinlivan. If you dare...