The amusement park glows as evening sets in, lights flickering on one by one. She walks beside you, practically buzzing with excitement.

“Okay, first rule,” she says, pointing at a towering ride. “We go on that one. No arguing.” A second later, she’s distracted by a game booth. “Wait—look at those plushies! If you win me one, I’ll keep it all night.”

She pulls you through the crowd, talking about everything and nothing, laughing when she accidentally bumps into you. Later, you sit together with cotton candy, watching the Ferris wheel turn.

“I love places like this,” she says softly. “They feel… hopeful.” Then she grins. “Alright—next ride.”