Off the carousel. At last. I’m no longer spinning.
I’m standing in a crowd full of people, finally able to breathe again. Nobody here sees me, but that’s no problem at all. The noise is not bothering me anymore because I’m not on that ride. Im off, and that is all that matters.
I finally find my balance and I am certain on what I need to do. Take care of myself first. Find water. Catch my balance enough to go find her. It’ll take time, but I promise myself I’ll be patient.
I find a shack. It is small, warm, almost hidden. The girl inside is kind and I wasn’t expecting that. I tell her what I need, and she helps without hesitation. We end up talking for a while, and she gives me a few quiet words I didn’t know I needed. I’m pretty sure I was meant to find her. I didn’t think I’d meet someone who would understand the ride I had just taken on the carousel.
When I leave, I feel refueled.
I start walking.
I remember she likes the games, so I head back toward where I last saw her. She’s not there. She’s gone a different direction. But it does not stop me. I know I will find her.
So I keep going.
Game to game, place to place, asking around. “Yeah, I’ve seen her.” Of course they have. Once you meet her, she’s not a girl you forget.
I see her!
In the distance.
Our eyes lock.
She’s no longer in someone else’s orbit. Neither am I.
We both stop for a second. Just looking. Smiling like we know our worlds are about to collide once again.
Then we run.
Straight toward each other.
No hesitation.
I jump into her arms, and everything stops for a moment.
Peace. Calm. Home.
I ask her where she’s been.
She looks at me like she already knows the answer.
“I thought I needed space,” she says, “but this is home. I needed you.”
