Page 6 of Carnival Monster

We reach the food stalls, and the scent of fried dough and sizzling meat fills the air. But even as Dan and Charlotte eagerly discuss the menu, I can’t focus on anything.

“What do you want, Aurora?” Charlotte asks, nudging me with her elbow.

I blink, realizing that I haven’t been paying attention. “Oh, um... I don’t know. Maybe just a soda or something.”

Charlotte frowns, concern etched on her face. “Are you sure you’re okay? You seem really distracted.”

I take a deep breath. Charlotte’s right. I’m being too distracted by a stranger I’ll likely never see again.

“Yeah, I’m fine. I’m sorry; you know how I get sometimes.” I force a laugh. “I’ll try to focus!”

Dan grins, clearly relieved to see me snapping out of my daze. “That’s the spirit! Now, who wants a corn dog? My treat!”

Charlotte’s eyes light up. “Ooh, me! Get me one of those giant ones with all the toppings.”

As we place our order, I consciously try to be present. I listen to Charlotte and Dan’s playful banter, laughing at their jokes and stories. For a while, I push the lingering thoughts of the encounter to the back of my mind.

We find a picnic table nearby and dig into our greasy carnival fare. Charlotte moans in delight as she takes a bite of her loaded corn dog, getting mustard smeared on her cheek. “Oh my god, this is heaven.”

Dan rolls his eyes, but there’s a fond smile on his lips. “You’re such a mess, Char.”

She sticks her tongue out at him, completely unapologetic. “You’re just jealous you can’t appreciate the finer things in life.”

I laugh at their back-and-forth. Once we’ve finished our food, Dan suggests hitting up a few more rides before calling it a night. Charlotte is immediately on board, her energy seemingly boundless.

“Yes! We’ve got to go on the Tilt-A-Whirl. That one always makes me feel like I’ll puke.”

I grimace at the thought of her corn dog making a reappearance. “If that a good idea after you just ate the world’s most disgusting corn dog?”

She laughs. “Don’t worry, I never actually puke.”

I nod. “Let’s do it then.”

Charlotte’s practically bouncing as we make our way over. As we wait in line, I search the crowd again, half-hoping the masked stranger will appear.

But there’s just a sea of smiling faces and bright lights, completely at odds with the darkness that had drawn me in earlier.

I shake my head because tonight is about having fun with my friends and not getting caught up in some sick fantasy.

We climb into the spinning ride car, and Charlotte grabs my hand and squeezes it tightly. “You ready for this, Aurora?”

I grin, adrenaline coursing through me. “Bring it on.”

The ride starts, and we’re thrown into a dizzying whirl of motion. I whoop as we spin faster and faster.

For those few minutes, everything else fades away. There’s no haunted house, masked stranger, or lingering desires. Just the thrill of the ride, the laughter of my friends, and the pure joy of being alive in this moment.

As the ride comes to a stop and we stumble off, dizzy and breathless, I realize that’s all I really need: the simple pleasures of life, shared with the people I love most.

Whatever lies ahead, whatever fucked-up cravings still linger deep within me, they can wait for another night. Tonight is for living in the light, embracing the joy, and letting it fill me up completely.

5

GAGE

Islip back into the shadows before the cage she’s in reaches the ground. The stench of sweat and cheap perfume hangs heavy in the air as my gaze locks on her.

The disappointment on her face is as clear as day when she gets to the ground and searches for me, but she can’t find me. A soft chuckle rumbles in my throat as I drink in the sight of her, imagining how that supple flesh would tremble under my touch.

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