Phoenix
Member
Sam’s smile grew as she watched Todd take Adelyn’s hand. Something easy was settling into her skin, despite the overwhelming vibrations. She had long gotten used to sensing people and animals and machines moving. And there was something so cheerful about this place. She had only gone to a few with her family as a child. It came to her so vividly. She almost stopped walking, slowing down, as she realized that it was the first time in years she had thought of… good memories?
She shook herself out of it and took a few long strides to regain her pace and footing with Todd and Adelyn, both of whom had such long legs. For a moment, she searched around them, her eyes telescoping– then tugged them both over in the direction of a map and directory. There were pamphlets piled up on the table in front of it, but she took a moment to study it. This pumpkin patch was far more than just a pumpkin patch. There was a petting zoo, horse rides, a zip line, a carousel, two corn mazes, contests, apple picking, and pig races. Pig races?
She took a moment to look up at her companions and gauge their expressions when she had finished looking at the map. Neither of them, she realized suddenly, had the worry that her parents used to have taking her to events like these. Neither of them were looking at her like they were worried she’d get in trouble. Had… had her parents always looked like that when they went places? Sam remembered the days of her parents wearing and carrying oven mitts around with them for in case she had a meltdown. She remembered, though, that they always had a good time. Even so, how had she never noticed?
She turned her attention back to the board as she thought about it. That would be on her mind for a while. But maybe, for now, she could put it out of her mind. She breathed in deep, and let out a small rush of hot air as she breathed out. It spiraled up and away from them, dispersing into the air. She turned a smile back onto them.
“It looks like it depends on if we want to go right or left. That way–” She pointed to the left, “Looks like it’s the petting zoo and the carousel. And the other direction is the mazes and apples and pumpkins.”