My heart pounded furiously, drowning out the lively sounds of the bustling shopping center behind me. The intoxicating blend of popcorn and cotton candy mingled with the warm, buttery scent of freshly baked pretzels in the air. I sprinted away, each breath coming faster than the last, my lungs ablaze with the fire of effort. Ahead, the vibrant silhouette of a theme park loomed large, its towering ...

“Mom can we go to a theme park this weekend?” I enthusiastically asked her. She looked at me and shook her head.

“Sorry honey, but I’m busy this weekend, we’ll go next time when I have the opportunity okay?” My mom apologetically said to me. But before she left for work, she turned around and faced me with a face that looked inspired.

“Come to think of it honey, I think I may have the time to br...

(Shoutout to Caralia! Here is draft #33!)

———

Project Tennessee, or just Ness, has a weird feeling of Deja vu. She really shouldn’t. Her and the rest of her rag tag group are standing in front of an amusement park entrance.

They shouldn’t feel out of place here. Loads of teens have come and gone through the big archway with a big, shiny monkey climbing near the top.

But they aren’t normal tee...

The fluorescent lights slowly flickered on, one by one. Combined with the last of the lingering summer sun, I could almost see to the far end of the park.

I began my first round, performing the typical end of day checks. I could almost convince myself that I was not disturbed by the metallic creeks and groans I heard as I progressed. Reaching the far end of the park some five or ten minutes late...

The Dark Carnival, known for its one of a kind rides and outlandish performances. Its ring leader was a lady named Vanessa, the Jester was Katy, Trapeze was Bethany and finally the Animal Tamer was Eloise. Each of them played there roles, day in and day out giving it everything they’ve got to keep the show going and the spirit of the Dark Carnival alive.

What people don’t know is that these 5 beau...

Ah, the Magical Circus! Tis a time of joy, fun, and endless possibilities! It’s a sanctuary to young and old alike, a place to escape the tragedies of the everyday shuffle. Everyone wore bright smiles and the whole Circus buzzed and bristled with enthusiasm. She always seemed to light up a bit more, with every new face that entered through the grand arch. The merry-go-round’s music turned even an ...

As he hesitated in line, Jack realized it had been a decade since he last rode a Ferris wheel, and he decided to confront his long-avoided fear. With a deep breath, he stepped into the carriage and began the slow ascent, his anxiety building with each rotation. But when he finally worked up the courage to open his eyes at the top, he was met with a surreal sight: the entire theme park was eerily a...

After working at a theme park for the short months that I have, you see a lot of people come and go. Today was just as insignificant as all of the other days with thousands of people smiling and shaking while waiting their turn for rides. I started my day off as usual, managing the entry lines and taking people’s tickets.

Halfway through the morning, I took the tickets of two people who appe...

(Im proud of that title)

The soft humm of the CCTV tvs and jagged static had been filling his ears for the last couple hours, about driving him mad. If it didn’t pay so good, he’d be out like a light right about now. The clock kept ticking in the corner, 12:42 and 32 seconds…12:42 and 33 seconds.

“Jesus H. Christ…” He would rub his eyes, maybe if he went to grab some coffee-

RIIIINNNNNNGGGG. ...

They said she was afraid of her own shadow. She tells them that's an imminently sensible thing to be afraid of. Staring into her mirror, she is...well, satisfied is the wrong word. She is not appalled. Her hair a little gray cap, her eyes a soft brown that on another might be called soulful, but on her, dart around with the curious terror of a fawn.

It is time to open. She goes quietly, running ...