60 Second Ride

An adventure.

That was what Astrid wanted.

She didn't think it was too much to ask for, keeping her expectations realistic when, in truth, she imagined a journey to a distant land or a daring quest through uncharted territories. What she got instead was a rickety old merry-go-round in Morison Park that squeaked and rattled with each turn.

An old tune played repeatedly, matching the rhythm of the ride as it whirled her around and around. It sounded more like a lullaby than an upbeat carnival song. There were only so many places she could find magic in this world—to offer her a taste of the adventure she was longing for. She yearned for the thrill of discovering the unknown, encountering new cultures, and meeting new people. But this ride offered nothing more than a constant reminder of her limited existence, clinging to the pole on the side of the carousel, alone and bored.

A glimpse of her future flashed through her mind. The vivid image of herself years from now, searching for magic in the mundane, was more than she could bear. Astrid was aware that she’d never discover it within the confines of this world. It was a morbid thought for a child to have, but it was the truth, and Astrid was no stranger to the bleakness of reality. It was why her mother often took her to this park, where she could indulge her childish fantasies.

Disappointment clung to Astrid like humidity as she bobbed up and down on a plastic white unicorn. After a few challenging attempts to transform this plain park into a whimsical setting, she eventually succeeded.

She saw herself in a faraway land, riding a real unicorn as it gracefully galloped through an enchanted forest toward a majestic palace, brimming with magic. A wide smile took over her face as the unicorn leapt over a stream, setting off on a journey to save the kingdom from an evil witch. Purpose and excitement coursed through her as the music swelled, as if the soundtrack were a call to adventure.

With the scene taking shape, euphoria replaced Astrid's disappointment.

A vibrant pathway emerged between the trees for Astrid to follow. Wind whisked through her hair and kissed her cheeks. A surge of adrenaline coursed through her veins, offering her a taste of adventure. She thought that maybe-just maybe-this could offer her the relief she desperately needed.

Almost as quickly as this sense of gratification arrived, it vanished as the carousel came crawling to a halt. The music abruptly stopped, bringing Astrid's fantasy to a sudden end. It left her feeling gutted. This sixty-second ride had been both the highlight of her day and the low point of her life.

But Astrid didn’t move from her steed, not ready to let go of the magic, and waited for the ride to start up again.

If this was the only way she could experience these grand expeditions or daring quests, then so be it. She was determined to make the most of it, even if it was just a rickety old merry-go-round.