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I’m so nervous.
Once all the pieces are on, I’m afraid I’ll overheat. The costume is so detailed—helmet, tunic, vest, cape thingie, waist wrap, bandolier, canister backpack, arm gauntlets, shoulder pieces, boot covers, puffy pants, staff—it’s a lot of stuff. I hope I don’t pit it out before I get through the event.
I throw deodorant and body spray in my bag just in case. Smelling like an exploded garden is better than smelling like terror-induced sweat.
Driving to the venue, a minivan filled with kids pulls alongside. Two little boys stare and just before the light turns green, their faces erupt in recognition. My window’s down to prevent my face from melting off, so I hear the older boy yell, “Dad! Look! A bounty hunter!” I smile because it’s adorable—and then when they park next t
