Chapter 3

The carnival was bustling with excitement, the smell of popcorn with a hint of motor oil wafted throughout the fairground, and small children screamed with excitement as they weaved through a sea of legs and played tag.Though the day had just begun, nearly everyone there was on some degree of an adrenaline rush or smiling uncontrollably as well as using a type of politeness so genuine that it could be only shown during times of great joy. Cohen, Aster, and Nairna looked around with fascination at all the wonders on display, laughed at the silly clowns with the frilly skirts and dogs on mini bicycles, and screamed with joy on the big wooden roller coasters. There was so much to do and see, so much running around, that Cohen forgot all about telling their friends about the dreams they had been having. Well, they did, until they saw the red and white carousel. Exactly like the one from the dream room, it had skillfully carved wooden horses painted black, each one unique in one way or another. It was made with the most vibrant reds and brilliant whites, as well as having the warmest gold posts keeping the carousel from collapsing. Cohen froze up immediately after he processed what was going on, worrying Nairna. 

Nairna recognised this sort of fear, as she had had many experiences with doing the same, but she couldn’t tell what could have triggered Cohen so suddenly. Usually they would slow down and dissociate before completely freezing up, not once had she seen them freeze immediately. This was something she would need to ask him about later. Aster didn’t notice, since he was still amazed by all the lights and sounds, as well as the games and how many prizes there were to be won.