The afternoon sun beat down on the back of Vivian’s and Nate’s neck, while the air carried the sweet smell of cotton candy and fried dough.
All around them, the amusement park buzzed with life. Rollercoasters roared, sending screams echoing through the air, while the cheerful music from the carousel spun around in bright, tinkling notes.
Nate pointed toward the towering Ferris wheel, its colorful cabins glinting in the sunlight as they slowly rotated against the clear blue sky.
“We’re riding that next,” he said, his eyes lighting up. “The view from the top has to be incredible.” He looked at Vivian, a wide grin spreading across his face.
Vivian didn’t answer. Her face was tight, jaw clenched, a thin sheen of sweat glistening on her forehead.
She held the metal railing of the queue li
