CHAOTIC EVENTS

The nerve of him. Bringing me here tonight. After being with her last night.

Look at his face. Grinning like a boy in the candy store. Gross. The memory of seeing them together. Thinking I was sleeping. Gnawing at my heart. I think. This will be it. My opportunity. I'm talking to him about what I saw.

The lights sparkle in the moonlight. Creating a magical glow. Dancing like fairies across the night sky. Each twinkle. Whispered to the Universe. It’s secrets.

Casting a captivating spell. Over the chaos around them.

As kids. We loved coming to this place together.

The scent of cotton candy. That sweet aroma. He grabs my hand. We sprint towards the rides. Laughing children trailing behind us. Carnival lights. Blur a whirl of colors. Capturing the essence. The bright shades blend perfectly. Making the night alive.

Approaching the ticket booth. The sound of giggles around us. Felt like a cruel monkey. My mind races. Images of them. Their whispered words. Stolen glances. Forcing a smile now. Hand the operator the ticket. Inside my heart was bleeding. Ferris wheel looms ahead. Bright lights. A sharp contrast to those feelings. Of darkness inside.

How can he act so normal? Carefree. After what he had done? Why are we here?

“Let’s go on this,” he excitedly mutters.

I hesitate.

“Oh, you know I’m afraid of heights.”

He smiles.

“My love. I’ll keep you safe. Please, just this one ride.”

I roll my eyes at him.

“That will be 10 Dollars please,” the operator stutters.

Stepping into the cage. Number’s written on rigid plastic. Buckles tighten around us. A solid embrace. Ensuring safety. Limiting my comfort. Groans and rattles. Making my throat tighten. My stomach drops.

The Ferris wheel rises. Ground recedes under my feet. People become mere specks. Open sky. Stretching out. The seat sways. Clenching my grip. At the top.

Ride suddenly halts. Panic surges. We grab hands. I screech.

“What-the-heck is happening?”

Desperately seeking answers in this confusion.

“It's okay. I told you. I would keep you safe,” he calmly says.

I panic.

“This is crazy,” I screamed.

He gently grabs my face.

“Just breathe. Count 1-2-3.”

I push him off.

“I won’t count. I refuse to breathe. I told you. I hate heights. I want off this ride. With my feet planted firmly on ground!”

“Are you done?” He groans.

Those words ignite my fury.

“Are you kidding me? I can’t believe you’re still talking. Get me down!” I snapped.

My anger boiling over.

“Look at the moon. In the night sky. Bright and bold. The stars scattered like diamonds. Each one twinkles with life. The night feels vibrant. Like endless possibilities could unfold.”

“What are you saying? All I see is an endless void. Dotted with pinpricks of light. How do you see magic in the night? When it scares the hell out of me.”

“I guess we don’t see things the same. I try to find beauty in things. While you focus on darker aspects. Two worlds looking out the same window.”

Each syllable frays my nerves. Nails on a chalkboard.

“I think when we finally get off this ride. I need space to clear my head,” I declare.

“But there was a reason I brought you here. I need to talk it’s import---.”

“I don’t feel safe up here. Is this really the place for an important conversation?”

“Sarah, I asked the man to stop the ride. I want to tell you.”

My stomach spins. Wary of what he will say.

“We’ve been together for a very long time. My life is with you. You are my future.”

He pulls a small velvet box from his pocket. Opening. Revealing a diamond.

Casting brilliant shimmering reflections. The gem is a perfect cut. Tiny shining stars.

“You asked him to stop? That’s why we’re stuck up here? So, you could do this,” I said. My voice trembling.

The seat rocked. The wind whips around. Only adding to my anxiety. I clutch that belt tight. My knuckles white. That diamond dazzles. A glaring opposition to my discomfort.

“I honestly didn’t think this was going to happen,” he said. “I didn’t expect you to freak out. I’m sorry”

The ride clunks forward. A rush of wind. Bringing a sense of relief. This moment. Though, far from what he hoped for. Ride descends. Carnival lights start to blur. A mosaic of colors. I turned to him. Looking for the words.

“Do you want your answer before we are off here? I want to move out. I saw you with her last night. You two thought I was sleeping. How many times has this happened? I don’t want to be with you anymore.”

His eyes search mine. That moment the world paused. Leaving us suspended in a delicate shift in time.

“You don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s not what you think,” he whispered.

He couldn’t hold my gaze. That boy grin vanished. The weight of my words hung heavy and unspoken. Like my heart in the air. Those vibrant colors seem dull. Mirroring the fading light of our relationship. My feet touch earth. My stomach churns. The ride home.

Should we walk it off? Or get in the car? Dealing with this at home.

The bar lifts. Operator unstraps the belt. He turns and mumbles.

“I’ll see you at home.”

Jumping off the caged bucket. Tilting now violently back and forth. The operator grabs the shaking bucket.

“Steady now.”

At that moment, he extends his hand and gestures.

“Here let me help you. I guess things didn't go as planned.”

I pushed his hand aside. Stepping onto the platform. Glaring at him.

“Thanks for keeping me up there. Jerk. Next time, don’t leave me up there so long.”

He looks taken aback. Confident smirk fading.

“I didn’t mean to,” he stutters.

I'm already walking away. The adrenaline pumping through my veins. Ground felt solid under my feet. My mind racing from the nights.