Eli had brought little Asher to his work today because they were having a festival with treats, carnival rides, and all sorts of wondrous things which left the boy wide-eyed and speechless. Unfortunately, such distracting sights and sounds eventually drew him away from the poor school nurse who Asher had grown to love and depend on as a parental figure. Instead of shouting or asking for help, his instincts were to go completely silent, allowing himself to be bumped around by the crowds of towering (to him) teachers and teens. He couldn't see over anyone! How was he supposed to find Eli like this?

The boy let out a feint whimper, drowned out by the vibrant commotion all around him. Oh how he wished he knew how to fly... he could just go wayyyy up above everyone's heads and-- oh! The colorful lights of the slowly spinning ferris wheel caught his attention. That could work!

Somehow navigating his way over to the ride, he looked at the line with very visible uncertainty. He was thinking about just walking away before a girl in the front waved him over. "Do you want to get on? I'm waiting for a double, so there's room for one here!" With a delayed, though fairly frantic nod, he hurried over and offered a nearly inaudible _{"Thank you, miss"} before being shuffled on by the impatient-looking conductor. Before he could protest, the door had been closed behind him and he found himself alone with a very tall man with some very intimidating tattoos. Asher stared with wide eyes for a few moments longer than would be considered polite before finally dragging his gaze away (my, what a fascinating floor) and pressing himself up against the back of the opposite seat. He couldn't find any words to say.

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Benedict Church