The curls of a young freckled eight year old boy could be seen weaving through the crowd alone. Occasionally, he would pause, look around as if interested in the surrounding rides, and then continue trekking. He seemed to have a destination in mind, completely confident in his miniature stride despite the lack of chaperone. He had broken away from his mother and father’s hold only moments ago, unrelenting in his search for adventure. He wouldn’t be able to find what he was looking for if he was being continuously pulled along by his parents. They couldn’t possibly understand the importance of his mission.
Finally, his electric blue eyes locked onto the one: the giant of the park. It rose above the gates that could only hope to contain it. It had several arms, all bulging with dangerous fervor, and its torso moved with malicious intent. Andy braced himself against the rising nervousness he felt in the pit of his stomach. This was it. The fight he had sought out. He would conquer this beast. Andy watched as its mechanical arms swung dangerously around with children clenched in its grip. He could hear the desperate screams emerging from the kids, confirming his thought that he was their only hope of survival.
He pushed his tiny legs to full speed as he ran up to the entrance of the beast’s lair, heart pumping wildly with the mounting adrenaline. Andy knew that time was precious and every little second counted. His eyes never released the monster from his gaze as he prepared himself for the battle. The beast paused as though it were meeting Andy’s gaze as Andy arrived at the front of the lair. Slowly reacting to the increasing tension, the monster let go of the other children. In doing so, Andy realized that this fight would be between him and the beast, alone. The creature unleashed creaks and groans as the children ran off, smiling and laughing with their new-found freedom. It was time.
A hand pushed Andy back gently as soon as he had started the move forward. Andy turned his gaze towards the heavily-armored man standing before him. Was this man here for the fight, too? Andy mused that he probably wanted all of the glory.
“Sorry little guy,” the warrior gestured to a pole next to him. “You’re not tall enough.” The man’s armor began to melt away into faded, worn clothing before Andy’s eyes. The face-gear lifted to reveal a bored expression with tired eyes that watched Andy like only a carny could.
Andy turned away from the man back towards the creature he had come to slay. The sharp claws and menacing teeth gave way to worn seats and safety bars. The beast slowly transformed into nothing more than another amusement park ride. Children were no longer distressed but excited. And they, at least, were tall enough.
Andy looked up at the ride as disappointment began its rise in his stomach. He watched as other children ran past him, probably imagining themselves conquering the beast – his beast. He turned and walked dejectedly away to find his parents. There were other monsters to be slain. And he would find them.
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