His family’s favorite pastime was visiting dilapidated and less than reputable carnivals. He loathed the whole notion or rigged games, dodgy rides, and strange characters, but he never complained to keep the peace. It was harmless fun, as long as one was aware what they were walking into.
He’d been making a list of the worst carnivals of the summer, and wondered where the newest discovery would rank on the list. From the outside it looked better than most, but he’d learned that appearances could be decieving, and the true judgement would come later.
He dodged the rides and told his brother he’d meet them for lunch on the midway in a few hours. He didn’t want to risk his skin on the rides, so he’d find his own amusement. There were plenty of odd corners for him to explore without needing to trail after his family. They were used to that attitude by now, so no one questioned it.
He saw bright flags waving in the distance, and was interested to see what those flags signified. It was past the midway, sideshow, and concession stands. That wasn’t common as far as he’d seen before, so he was morbidly curious. He was counting on disappointment, but at least it was something to do.
He heard a sing-song chanting as he neared the bright flags. A large group of workers were tugging on ropes to raise the big-top for a circus show.
He stood transfixed. He’d never seen something like that before. Did they really put the tents up like that anymore? He’d have to do some research when he had access to to the internet later.
The man nearest to him tied off his rope and beckoned him over. Curious, he jogged over to see what the man wanted.
“If you want your pay, you’ll get back to work,” he said.
He shook his head and pulled out his ticket. “You’ve got it wrong,” he said. “I’m a customer, not an employee…”
That’s what they all say,” the man said. “No customers are allowed back here during set up. You’re just lazy. Hey, boys, we’ve got a slacker!”
He called for help as four burly guys picked him up and dragged him behind the tent. There was a prick on his shoulder and his vision went black
Hours later he woke up dressed up as a hideous clown. No one responded when he claimed there had been a mistake. His was feet away from freedom, but it might have been miles.
The makeup hid his identity and the bracelet on his wrist kept him bound to the back area of the tent.
This wasn’t harmless, and he regretted on being more careful. He was living a nightmare!
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