[Note: Up till the 20th it'll be 1 chap per week, I'll be busier during this time]
The rust bucket rolled into the campsite, surrounded by tall trees and the peaceful sounds of nature. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm, golden glow over everything. The gang quickly set up camp, eager to enjoy a well-deserved break.
As night fell, Fred, Gwen, and Ben gathered around the campfire, the flames crackling and casting dancing shadows on their faces. They played a Sumo Slammers game on a monitor Fred bought at the Megamart, Ben made a claim that he'd be unbeatable in it so it was on.
"Alright, who's ready to lose to the master?" Ben announced, a playful smirk on his face as he shuffled the deck.
"Oh please, you think you're button smashing with get you to win," Gwen teased, rolling her eyes but smiling nonetheless.
Ben jumped in, "Prepare to be amazed by my superior gaming skills!"
Laughter filled the air as they played. As the games wound down, Max joined them by the fire, a nostalgic smile on his face. "You kids want to hear a good campfire story?" he asked, settling into his seat.
"Yeah!" they chorused, eager to hear one of Max's legendary tales.
Max leaned in, his voice lowering to add to the suspense. He then told some scary stories as the kids listened with rapt attention, the flickering firelight adding to the moment.
By the time Max finished, they were all thoroughly entertained. "Tell us another one!" Gwen urged, her earlier weariness forgotten.
Max chuckled, "Alright, but just one more. Then it's time to hit the hay."
As the second story concluded, they all felt a sense of peace and contentment. They settled into their sleeping bags, the crackling fire a comforting backdrop to their soft conversations and laughter.
"Goodnight, everyone," Max said, his voice gentle as he watched over his grandchildren and Fred, feeling grateful for this moment of respite.
"Goodnight, Grandpa," they replied in unison, their voices sleepy but happy.
The next day arrived bright and early. The gang set out, heading towards a circus show not far from their campsite. The morning air was crisp, filled with the promise of a fun day ahead.
"We'll arrive a little bit early, so we can stroll around a bit before it starts," Max said, his eyes on the road.
"I'm not that interested in circuses though," Fred admitted with a smile.
"Yeah, clowns are for kids," Ben chimed in, leaning back in his seat.
"Well, I don't particularly think that, it's just I don't prefer that kind of humor," Fred added, trying to clarify.
"Come on, man, you betraying me right from the get-go," Ben teased, nudging Fred.
"Come on now, you two. I'm sure you'll have a blast," Max said reassuringly.
"And besides, we are kids, you know," Gwen pointed out, responding to Ben with a playful tone.
"Pshh, whatever. Clowns are lame," Ben muttered, crossing his arms.
"Haha, lighten up, Ben. I'm sure once the show starts, you'll love it," Max chuckled, his laughter filling the rust bucket.
As they drove, the tension melted away, replaced by a growing excitement. The thought of spending a day at the circus, away from their usual adventures, brought a sense of normalcy and joy. They could already imagine the vibrant colors, the lively music, and the thrilling acts awaiting them.
The sun dipped lower, casting a golden hue over the grounds, an announcement crackled through the loudspeakers. "Ladies and gentlemen, the show is about to begin! Please make your way to the main tent.", as the air buzzed with excitement as vibrant tents and colorful banners greeted them. They strolled around for a while, taking in the sights, sounds, and the delicious aroma of carnival food wafting through the air.
"Let's go get some seats," Max said, leading the way.
They found their places in the bustling audience, the tent filled with eager spectators. The interior was adorned with twinkling lights and streamers, creating a magical ambiance. The gang settled in, the excitement palpable.
The ringmaster strode into the center of the ring, his voice booming with energy. "Welcome, one and all, to the greatest show on Earth! Prepare to be dazzled and delighted by feats of wonder and amazement!"
The crowd erupted in cheers, and the performance began. Ben slipped out as the others watched the show, his curiosity pulling him away from the dazzling lights and roaring crowd. "Yawn. With all that we've been through thus far, I somehow don't find this entertaining at all," Fred remarked, leaning back in his seat as the others watched with gleaming eyes.
"Where's Ben?" Max asked, noticing the empty seat beside him.
"Sigh. He's probably not far. I'll go find him," Gwen said, standing up and heading outside the tent.
She found Ben peeking into a nearby tent where the performers were preparing. "Umm, what are you doing?" Gwen asked, her voice laced with curiosity.
"Aaah!" Ben screamed, startled by her sudden presence.
"Guys, come on, the show's about to start," Max called, catching up to them. He herded them back towards the main tent just in time.
"Now for the moment you've all been waiting for, the circus' sultan of smiles, the prince of chuckles and the rib tickler himself, the star of our circus, Zombozo the clown!" the announcer's voice boomed, filled with excitement.
A small clown car drove in, honking and wobbling before coming to a stop under the spotlight. The door creaked open, and out stepped Zombozo. Ben's face turned pale, and he nervously stood up.
"I uhh... I gotta g... I'm gonna get more popcorn," he stammered, backing away quickly upon seeing Zombozo.
Fred, leaning on his hand, yawned from boredom. "Ben's been acting strange lately," Max observed, concern in his voice.
"Ehh, who knows what's going on in his mind," Gwen shrugged, dismissing it.
"I never liked this episode to begin with. Clowns are lame," Fred muttered, his focus waning as the rest of the audience remained captivated by the show.
As the show continued, the gang's attention was divided. Max kept a worried eye on the tent entrance, Gwen's curiosity was piqued, and Fred's indifference masked his underlying concern for Ben. Ben, on the other hand, roamed the circus grounds, trying to shake off the uneasy feeling Zombozo had triggered within him.
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