Carnival fun

 Around and around he went, his mighty black stallion keeping time with a hidden music machine. He felt like a warrior as he repeatedly glimpsed his parents while riding off into a world that belonged only to him and the other children, who were sitting atop lions, tigers, and horses of many sizes. When the ride came to a stop, he begged to go on another one, this time choosing racing cars of many colors, each with steering wheels that, although real to the eye, were only for show. He picked out a blue car and climbed in as the other cars filled up, and the ride began. The sounds of real race cars blasted from speakers as the ride sped up for a couple of laps before coming to a stop.

He spotted his parents again and shouted that he was going to ride the boats. With a nod of approval from them, he sped off. There were eight boats in total, each floating in a pool of water that circled around the area. An arm attached to each boat allowed him to steer, though it was just for show. He felt like a pirate as he rang the bell on his boat while "Shiver Me Timbers" played through the speakers.

Approaching his parents, he saw that they looked ready to call it a day, but he had one last ride in mind. They agreed, but it would be the final one. He walked up to the giant coaster, which towered above him. The ride operator measured him and told him he had just made the height requirement and could ride the monster coaster—something he had been dreaming of for a long time. He found a seat by himself, as the ride was only half full. His hands were sweaty as he held on tightly; the coaster began to move with a series of clangs and bangs. Slowly, it climbed the first hill, and everything below looked like ants, including his parents. As Dad pointed up at him, Mom covered her face, praying for his safety. 

Then, with lightning speed, the coaster raced down the tracks, dipping and turning at speeds he had never experienced before. His stomach fought against the hot dog he had eaten earlier, but he held on tight. When the coaster finally came to a stop, he smiled—it's a smile he had waited for all these years.

It had been a fantastic day, one he would never forget. Aside from all the rides, cotton candy, and midway games, he got to play the roles of a race car driver, a warrior, and a pirate—the things a boy dreams about even to this day.

Mike 2025