You had been counting down the days for what felt like an eternity, waiting for your birthday like a prisoner marking time on a cell wall. When the long-awaited morning finally arrived, you practically launched yourself out of bed—an impressive feat in itself. Barefoot and buzzing with excitement, you bolted down the stairs, barely managing not to trip in your haste.

In the kitchen, your mom was already in full swing, flipping heart-shaped pancakes while quietly humming along to a tune playing on the old radio perched on the shelf. Her foot tapped softly against the wooden floor as she slid another golden pancake onto a plate. You devoured them without keeping count, washing them down with steaming tea.

Just as you finished, your dad emerged from the bedroom, an envelope in hand. He handed it to you with a knowing smile. Tearing it open, your heart nearly stopped—two tickets to the amusement park.

The choice of who to take was instant. Alex.

That afternoon, your father drove you both there, dropping you off with the promise to pick you up at closing time. The air buzzed with the sounds of laughter, music, and the distant screams of thrill-seekers. You were practically vibrating with excitement, and Alex had to grab your hand just to keep you from getting lost in the crowd as you weaved between attractions.

You started off light—carousels, gentle rollercoasters, the kind meant for kids. But each ride only fueled your appetite for more. You dragged Alex from one attraction to the next, each one wilder than the last.

Then, you stopped in front of it.

A towering rollercoaster loomed ahead, its steel tracks twisting into impossibly fast turns and gut-wrenching loops. Just watching the cars race by made your stomach flip in anticipation.

"Oh no. Nope. No way in hell I’m getting on that," Alex blurted, taking a cautious step back. His expression made it clear—he were ready to run if he had to