“Hey, you okay?”

The man in front of you asks. His name tag says ‘Caden’. He's short, with a brimmed visor on. The sounds of machinery, pop music, and yelling children ring out in the background. You can smell popcorn and funnel cake and feel the heat blazing down against you. You blink once, twice, staring at the track in front of you. A ramp, a metal gate, and a flimsy plastic chain being the only dividers between you and your worst fear. You take a deep breath and nod.

“It's okay, I promise.”

The man says with a soft smile. His voice is a little raspy, probably from yelling. You can see the faint smudges of eyeliner below his green eyes.

“Alright Dragon riders! I am your attendant for the night, my name is Caden!”

He speaks with an almost practiced enthusiasm. Despite that, his eyes still shine with genuine passion.

“If y’all would do me the favor of placing your loose articles in the little metal buckets to the side or up by me if it's something bigger! Now head on in and I'll seat you!”

He says, having everyone scan their little wristbands as they enter. You seem nervous. He meets your eyes.

“I'll have you in seat 9. It's a smoother ride and the left side view is better. It's where I usually put people who get scared by this one.”

He says, shooting you a wink. You sit down and pull down on the lap bar. This is it. No going back now. Caden and the operator both come around, checking the seats. Caden pushes down on your lap bar, noting your anxious look.

“Hey, it's a safe ride, I promise. You are gonna be okay.”

He says, something sweet in his eyes. It almost quells the anxiety buzzing in your brain.

“Do you trust me?”

Caden asks, smiling down at you. You can't help but nod.

“I'll keep you safe.”

He says, before moving onto the next person. Your heart is pounding so hard from that interaction that you barely notice as Caden and the operator exchange the all-clear and the wooden coaster starts climbing its first lift hill.

It's too late to turn back now. Face your fears.