Lauren pulled her coat tighter around her as the crisp night air wrapped around her.
The carnival was alive with color and movement, flashing lights, the scent of buttery popcorn and something fried, the distant sound of people laughing and cheering.
It was overwhelming.
Sophie, practically vibrating with excitement, spun around to take it all in. “This is so cool. Can we go on the Ferris wheel first? No, wait—the roller coaster! Or—oh! What about the games?”
Margaret chuckled. “One thing at a time, sweetheart.”
Lauren took a slow breath, letting the atmosphere settle over her. It had been years since she’d been to a carnival. Something about the flashing lights, the rush of people moving around her, made her feel both excited and… out of place.
“Alright, everyone,” Emily said, loc
