The park slowly seemed to have darkened. A deepening sky now stretched above the grassy mounds and rolling slopes, casting cold reflections on the waters of a vast lake.

Small lamps lit the narrow pathways, their light scattered with colors as if drawn from the arch of a rainbow. Even more colorful stands lined the path leading to the lakeside, where our group of unsuspecting heroes quietly made their way.

“Man, there’s a ton of people here today,” Jake said, looking around. “I’ve never seen the park this busy, and I used to come here all the time.”

Michael turned to him. “Yeah, end of the season always gets packed. Mom and Dad took us every year for my birthday. You remember that, Lil?” he looked down at the small girl who was clutching his hand.

“Well,” Sarah said with a slight smile, “I’ve got a feeling this year’s gonna be different.”

Not far away, came a blue and yellow train from the opposite direction, slowly rolling on its small wheels. The train had been moving visitors from one place to another throughout the park, with the people onboard waving happily as they passed by. The engine emulated the sound of steam when the driver brought it to a sudden stop, allowing more passengers in.

“Look,” Michael pointed.

At the last carriage, a small boy was gripping the handles from the outside. He let himself hang loosely for a moment, then jumped to the ground.

Moments later, a woman’s voice broke out from inside the train. “No, Billy!” She rushed toward the nearest window, leaning forward as she desperately tried to reach him. “Stay right there, I’m coming!”

But it was too late. The boy had already made his choice at the back of the train. Now, he was a young adventurer, too eager and filled with life, and for once, all by himself in this stunning big world. But then, what should he do? Where should he go? There were so many options, so many different colors and sounds that seemed to pull him in every direction.

Billy looked playfully around. In his field of view, a group of children suddenly burst into laughter as they raced to reach the rides first. An adventure! How wonderful! He began sprinting sporadically across the park, giggling with joy as he passed between the legs of surprised adults. He came here to have fun, he thought, and the park was full of great things that caught his eye. But first, he needed to get away for a while. Find a safe place where Mommy couldn’t see. Behind the big Ferris wheel, perhaps, or maybe in the crowded food stands? No, those were too bright and visible. Wait, what about that narrow alley where the lights end? Surely, no one will bother him there, or even worse, tell him what to do.

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He took a swift turn, making his way through the alley. In the middle of his journey, Billy thought he heard distant cries over the dimming crowd. He glanced back. Was Mommy there? It was difficult to tell. With each step he took, the light that surrounded him grew fainter and weaker. Soon, it became dark, too dark, with only moonlit shadows sprawling around. But that didn’t deter our little adventurer. No, not at all. He kept on moving until he reached the end.

The alley eventually transformed into a desolate clearing, and Billy found himself to be walking past broken stalls and abandoned carts. They were scattered carelessly along a vast field, old and neglected in the midst of nowhere. He was wondering about the people who had left them there when, just in front of him, a crooked shadow passed quickly.

Billy stopped. He couldn’t see anything but he definitely heard the creaking sound that followed.

“Mommy?”

Impossible. No one’s supposed to know he was there. Wait, what time was it? The hour was getting late, he was certain of it. People had already begun to leave before he ended up in that alley. They would soon close up the park, leaving him stuck in this forsaken place, forever silent like one of those stalls or carts resting under the murky stars. He cautiously lifted his gaze toward the night sky. Black clouds began to emerge in great gatherings. They seemed to conspire against him. The thought of turning back suddenly came to his mind. Not a thought, an urge. He sprinted, this time in the other direction, ready to give it all up. But then, just at the end of a dirt road, he saw it. Something that lay hidden in the shadows. Some kind of shed or shack, maybe, with a surface made of wood and metal. The boy gradually slowed his pace, coming closer to this strange shape of a house. To his surprise, there were no windows, and seemingly no front door. Instead, a large red curtain covered the entrance, blocking the view of whatever waited beyond.

Billy brought himself up the small staircase that led to the porch, examining the red fabric from a close distance. What secrets lay behind it? He pressed his hand against the curtain, feeling its rough and stiff texture. Just then, a sudden light broke underneath. It shone beautifully on the wooden floor with dazzling colors, and for a second, Billy swore he could hear the sound of music playing from inside! What a fascinating building!

“Billy?” the voice was now clear, but still distant. “Billy, it’s Mommy. Where are you? Please, sweetheart, just come back here!”

Billy breathed a sigh of relief. Mom had been nearby all along. But he knew he had to act quickly. She was about to find him, and that would mean the end of his little adventure, just when things were starting to get so exciting! Luckily, he found the perfect hideout. He giggled once more and then slipped through the curtain.

As he disappeared from sight, the cheerful sounds of the park gradually faded until there was nothing but silence. It was as if the entire world around him held its breath, watching in absolute horror as Billy willingly let himself be swallowed. Then, without warning, a cold wind cut through the night with a terrible howl. Dark clouds began to drift apart, the night sky revealing many stars. Up on the roof, if only he could read it, a signboard screamed in red letters, with two theater masks painted on its side. One crying and one laughing.