This Is Not Our Story.
There is a voice only audible to those who choose to hear it. The carrier of this voice can take on many forms, use many tactics, and effects each person differently. What could save one person’s life could take another’s in just one quick moment. We know this. Our purpose is to give words to that voice, to inform you that he exists.
This is not our story.
We are merely the people he touched.
Lucy.
The first time I remember seeing him was on my fifth birthday. The overwhelming scent combination of hot dogs, french fries, popcorn and funnel cakes filled the air of what was supposed to be a church parking lot. Set along the left hand curb were tents with giant stuffed animals and toys hanging inside them. Right in the center of the lot was a small booth with a tiny window, where tickets would be purchased for the many rides and attractions they offered. On my wrist was a yellow paper wristband, that magically matched the polka-dotted bandana tied around the crown of my head. I was waiting for this fair since last year, because I was finally tall enough to ride most of the rides. The smile on my face was almost as bright as the blinking lights on the Merry Go Round or UFO ride, and my laughter was louder than the music. I held on to both of my parents' hands as we walked, swinging our arms back and forth, until we came to a stop. You had to tilt your head all the way up to see the top of this giant metal wheel, with 16 thin seats suspended between the bars. Your feet hung off the side freely, and the seat belt was a rectangular door with a safety bar. I take a step back and bump into my mother's leg.
"What's wrong, Luchia? You've been talking about the Ferris Wheel all week!" My dad laughs while ruffling my hair.
"I didn't realize THIS was it!" I shout, then go quiet as the whirring starts. The seats go much faster than the one I saw in the movies. I hear a kid scream from the top. My stomach drops, and I quickly look down. Through the corner of my eye I see someone kneel down next to me. Thinking it's my dad, I go to hug them, but I immediately fold back in when our eyes meet. He doesn't look like my dad, but he also doesn't seem like a stranger. My parents warned me about strangers. But this man.. he was so familiar, almost welcoming, like a distant relative. He is young, looking similar to my thirteen year old cousin Gabriel. He has curly hair down to his chin, cornflake yellow with a slightly tan face. Green eyes shine through thick, rectangular framed glasses. I smile lightly at him, and he returns the favour. His voice is very friendly.
"Hey there, Lucy." He glances up at the wheel, then at me. "Not at all what you were expecting, huh? He chuckles as I shake my head furiously. "Doesn't seem fun at all, in my opinion. Someone could get hurt. I sure don't want you getting hurt." Normally my cousin would jokingly punch me, yet this person remained in place, arms loosely hanging over his knees. Even when he stood, I barely had to look up. "What looks fun to you?"
I glance around and notice the Merry Go Round, the hand painted horses and zebras dancing around at a slow pace to the whimsical orgel tune. "The Merry go Round." I answer him, and both of my parents look at me. "I'd like to do that instead."
"Well, that's settled then!" My dad's voice takes over, and my mom picks me up. As they carry me to the line, I look back to thank him.
He must have gone to a different ride.
