The long highway stretched ahead of them, a two-lane road cutting through open countryside.

The sun hung high in the sky, baking the asphalt, heatwaves shimmering in the distance.

Inside the car, however, it felt like a war zone.

🎶 Elona (off-key, screaming rather than singing): "And IIIIIII will always love youuuuuu!"

Donovan flinched violently, tearing off one of his headphones.

Donovan (deadpan, pained): "No. Absolutely not."

Elona grinned like a little gremlin, locking eyes with him, and doubled down.

🎶 "And IIIIIII-"

Donovan (groaning, slouching in his seat): "MOM."

Aneesa, casually flipping through a magazine in the passenger seat, barely looked up.

Aneesa (bored, barely interested): "Sweetheart, I gave up trying years ago."

Marco, driving, chuckled.

Marco: "Let her sing, Donny. Builds character."

Donovan: "What about my character? I'm being tortured."

Marco glanced at him through the rearview mirror, smirking.

Marco: "You'll survive."

Donovan groaned and slumped back, head hitting the window.

His reflection stared back at him-tired, annoyed, completely over it.

💭 I should have stayed home.

A soft ding from the front seat broke through the noise.

Aneesa's phone.

She picked it up, scanning the screen, and suddenly frowned.

Donovan noticed immediately. His mom never frowned at her phone.

Marco (noticing): "Everything okay?"

Aneesa's gaze lingered on the screen for a moment longer before she locked the phone and set it down.

Aneesa (forcing a small smile): "Yeah... just weird news."

Donovan raised an eyebrow.

Donovan: "Like, celebrity drama weird? Or world-ending weird?"

Aneesa gave a soft chuckle but didn't quite meet his eyes.

Aneesa: "Nothing crazy. Just some city-wide flu outbreak."

Marco nodded, keeping his eyes on the road.

Marco: "It's always something."

Elona, oblivious to the shift in atmosphere, was already back to humming her song.

Donovan, however, kept watching his mom for a second longer before shrugging. Probably nothing.

Outside, the long road stretched ahead. The amusement park was getting closer.

Sighing dramatically, Donovan yanked his hoodie up, grabbed his phone, and started scrolling.

First Reel: A dude attempting parkour faceplants into a dumpster.

Second Reel: Some fitness influencer yelling about "grindset mentality."

Third Reel: A dance challenge-his stomach flipped.

💭 Oh. It's her.

It's Raeleen.

She flashed that signature confident smile, her high ponytail bouncing as she moved. She was wearing a sleek black outfit, absolutely killing a routine.

💭 Okay, she snapped.

Donovan paused the video, rewound it, watched again. Twice.

💭 Not that I care or anything.

His thumb hovered over her profile, debating if he should check out her recent posts.

Then, his heart stopped.

Raeleen's Latest Post: "Guess who's spending the whole day at Mount Everwind 🎢🔥"

The video started-Realeen walking through a parking lot, the amusement park gates in the background.

She was adjusting her sunglasses, smirking at the camera.

Raeleen (smirking): "Y'all already know I'm about to own every ride here. If you see me, say hi-or race me to the front of the line."

She did a playful twirl, threw up a peace sign.

Donovan just stared.

💭 No. Freaking. Way.

He quickly checked the timestamp.

Posted 15 minutes ago.

She was already there.

💭 She's here?

His entire mood shifted.

For the first time all day, he actually cared about this trip.

A shadow loomed over his screen. He looked up-too late.

Elona was leaning over, grinning like a demon.

Elona (sing-song voice): "Ooooh, checking out your little girlfriend?"

Donovan (locking his phone instantly): "I swear to God."

Elona cackled.

Elona: "Big Bro's in loooove."

Marco and Aneesa exchanged knowing looks.

Marco: "You two fight like it's your job."

Aneesa closed her magazine, amused.

Aneesa: "Elona just has star power, that's all."

Elona flipped her hair dramatically.

Elona: "Exactly! Someone in this family appreciates talent."

Donovan rolled his eyes.

Donovan: "Talent for getting on my nerves."

Suddenly, Elona gasped, slamming her hands against the window.

Elona (breathless): "Oh my God-look at it."

Donovan, still annoyed, almost ignored her-until he actually looked up.

💭 Whoa.

Mount Everwind rose in the distance, massive roller coasters twisting against the sky. The ocean crashed against the cliffs behind it.

The road sloped down, leading to the entrance plaza packed with families. Music, laughter, the roar of coasters in the background.

Loudspeakers announced: "Welcome to Mount Everwind! The ultimate thrill-seeker's paradise!"

For the first time, Donovan stopped thinking about Elona, Realeen, or anything else.

💭 This place is massive.

As the car crested the final hill, the world exploded into color and movement.

Mount Everwind wasn't just an amusement park. It was a kingdom.

Towering roller coasters twisted through the sky, their steel frames shining in the sunlight.

Bright banners flapped in the warm breeze, lining the massive entrance plaza.

A huge Ferris wheel loomed over the skyline, its gondolas reflecting the ocean behind it.

Families, teens, and thrill-seekers flooded the entrance, buzzing with excitement.

The deep roar of a roller coaster screamed through the air, followed by laughter and applause.

Speakers echoed through the plaza:

"Welcome to Mount Everwind! The ultimate thrill-seeker's paradise!"

Elona gasped, eyes wide, practically vibrating in her seat.

Elona (bouncing): "LOOK AT IT! IT'S HUUUUUGE!"

Donovan, despite himself, couldn't help but be impressed.

💭 Okay... this is kinda cool.

Even Marco, the usual calm and collected military dad, let out a small whistle.

Marco (nodding): "I gotta admit... that's impressive."

Aneesa grinned, slipping on her sunglasses.

Aneesa: "I think I made the right call picking this place."

Elona was already listing every ride she wanted to go on.

Elona (rapid-fire): "Storm Chaser first. Then Maelstrom. Then-"

Donovan (interrupting, smirking): "The baby rides for you?"

Elona (offended): "EXCUSE ME?"

She pointed aggressively at the biggest ride in sight.

The Storm Chaser - A massive steel roller coaster that shot riders straight up before plummeting at breakneck speeds.

Elona (grinning): "I'M GOING ON THAT FIRST."

Donovan (mocking concern): "You? Survive that? Nah."

Elona: "Watch me."

Marco shook his head, grinning as he pulled into the massive parking lot.

Marco: "You two fight about everything."

The entrance was packed, cars honking as families piled out, kids sprinting toward the gates.

Marco carefully navigated through the chaos, looking for a parking spot.

Before Donovan could scroll Instagram again, Marco suddenly slammed the brakes.

Aneesa: "WHAT THE HELL?!"

A man had stumbled right into their path, dragging a ridiculous amount of luggage.

Two kids-his niece and nephew-struggled to keep up behind him.

Donovan: "...Did we just almost kill someone?"

Elona (gasping): "Imagine dying before the first ride."

The man turned to glare at them, his movements sluggish.

He looked rough-unshaven, tired, and slightly buzzed.

Joe.

His bloodshot eyes locked onto Marco.

Instead of apologizing, he just scoffed.

Joe (muttering): "Watch where you're going, pal."

Marco tilted his head slightly, gripping the steering wheel tighter.

Marco (calm, but firm): "Try using the sidewalk."

Joe snorted but didn't argue. Instead, he adjusted the bags and trudged away.

Aneesa (watching him go): "That guy looks like he needs a vacation from his vacation."

Donovan (raising an eyebrow): "Dude looked like he'd rather be anywhere but here."

Marco: "Not our problem."

Elona (cheerfully): "Maybe he just hates fun."

Marco finally pulled into a parking spot.

Marco: "Alright, everybody out."

The moment Elona's feet hit the pavement, she was vibrating with energy.

Elona: "LET'S GOOOOO."

Donovan stretched, rolling his shoulders after being stuck in the car for hours.

The smell of fried food, popcorn, and sunscreen hit him instantly.

Aneesa adjusted her purse, glancing at Marco.

Aneesa: "Alright, let's get our tickets."

As they walked toward the entrance, Donovan took a deep breath, absorbing the scene.

Kids laughing, begging their parents for snacks.

Teenagers posing for selfies.

The excited screams of riders as a coaster flipped through the sky.

He still wasn't the biggest fan of amusement parks, but for the first time today, he didn't hate being here.

Maybe... this wouldn't be so bad.

The family approached the massive front gates.

Crowds were everywhere, laughter and excitement filling the air.

Security scanned tickets, kids held tightly onto their parents' hands.

In the distance, the first roller coaster of the day shot up into the sky.

The family has entered the amusement park's main plaza and is waiting in line to buy their tickets.

Excitement builds as they inch closer to the ticket counter.

The Crowd, The Noise, The Anticipation

The line moved slow. Agonizingly slow.

Donovan exhaled through his nose, arms crossed.

Twenty minutes?

Might as well be a lifetime.

Ahead of them, families, couples, and tourists stood bouncing on their heels, eager to get inside. Excited chatter mixed with the distant roar of roller coasters.

The smell of fried food and sunscreen filled the air.

Vendors called out, advertising cold drinks and park merchandise.

A group of kids behind them bounced impatiently, their parents barely keeping them in check.

Elona, of course, was already hyped beyond reason.

Elona (buzzing): "Almost there! Almost there!"

Aneesa (chuckling): "Patience, baby girl. We'll be inside soon."

Donovan glanced at his dad.

Donovan (grumbling): "How much are these tickets, anyway? It better not be a hundred dollars just to stand in line all day."

Marco: "Don't worry about the price. Worry about keeping up."

Elona (smirking at Donovan): "Yeah, don't slow us down, old man."

Donovan: "You are literally eleven."

As the line crept forward, Donovan casually glanced around.

And then-his stomach flipped.

There, ahead of them in line, maybe twenty feet away, was her.

Raeleen.

She stood with her group of friends, laughing, scrolling through her phone. The sun hit her just right, making her hoop earrings catch the light.

She was wearing a cropped athletic hoodie and ripped jeans, effortless and confident as always.

She was mid-laugh, talking to her friends like she owned the moment.

Donovan's heart did something weird.

💭 She's actually here.

For a second, he thought about calling out to her. Just saying something.

Then reality hit.

💭 Dude. She doesn't even know you exist.

His stomach twisted, and he quickly looked away.

Of course, Elona saw everything.

Her grin spread like wildfire.

Elona (whispering, teasing): "Ohhhhh, I see what's happening here."

Donovan snapped his head toward her.

Donovan (warning tone): "Don't."

Elona's grin only widened.

Elona: "You got that look."

Donovan: "What look?"

Elona (mocking): "That 'I just saw my future wife' look."

Donovan smacked the back of her head-lightly.

Elona (dramatic gasp): "ABUSE!"

Marco glanced at them, raising an eyebrow.

Marco: "What now?"

Elona snickered, pointing toward Realeen's group.

Elona: "Donovan's got a little crushy-crush."

Donovan (groaning, rubbing his face): "I swear, I will leave you in this line."

Aneesa, catching on, smirked.

Aneesa: "Who's the girl?"

Elona (grinning): "That one, right there. The one that looks famous."

Aneesa looked, then nodded approvingly.

Aneesa: "Oh, she's cute."

Marco, unfazed, shrugged.

Marco: "You gonna talk to her?"

Donovan rubbed the back of his neck.

Donovan: "She doesn't even know me."

Elona (mocking): "Not with that attitude."

Aneesa: "What's her name?"

Donovan (mumbling): "Raeleen."

Elona gasped dramatically.

Elona: "HE SAID IT. HE SAID HER NAME."

Donovan groaned, pulling his hoodie up to hide.

Donovan: "I hate this family."

As they waited, Donovan's attention drifted.

Something felt... off.

Not in a way that anyone else seemed to notice. Just a feeling.

A few people ahead, a man coughed loudly,

A few more people away, a kid wiped his nose aggressively, sniffling hard.

Donovan frowned.

It was nothing major. Just... little things.

He shook it off.

💭 You're overthinking.

The line moved forward.

The ticket booth line inched forward, and finally, Marco stepped up to the counter.

Behind the glass, a tired-looking attendant in a park uniform blinked at them, forcing a smile.

Attendant (flatly): "Welcome to Mount Everwind. How many today?"

Marco: "Four."

The attendant nodded, typing on the screen.

🎟 TICKET TOTAL: $320

Donovan winced.

💭 That's highway robbery.

Marco didn't flinch, pulling out his card.

Aneesa, ever the mom, grabbed the park map from the counter.

Aneesa (excited): "Ooooh, look at all these rides."

Elona practically vibrated with excitement.

Elona: "STORM CHASER FIRST."

Donovan (grumbling, arms crossed): "We get it."

With a beep-beep-beep, the turnstiles clicked open as they scanned their wristbands.

The second they stepped inside, Elona took a deep breath, like she was absorbing the park itself.

Elona (dramatically): "THIS. IS. THE BEST DAY OF MY LIFE."

Marco chuckled.

Marco: "Better make the most of it."

Donovan adjusted his wristband, glancing around.

Everything looked... normal.

Kids racing ahead of their parents. Vendors calling out deals. A group of teens posing for selfies near the fountain.

Everything felt fine.

Until he noticed... it.

A few feet away, near the entrance turnstiles, a man coughed violently.

Not just a casual cough. A deep, body-shaking cough.

He hunched over slightly, gripping the railing.

His face was flushed and sweaty, like he had just run a marathon.

A woman-his wife, maybe-whispered something to him, placing a hand on his arm.

Donovan stared for a second.

Then, just as quickly, he looked away.

A few steps ahead, a little girl sniffled loudly, rubbing her eyes.

Her mother sighed, adjusting the child's hat.

Mother (tiredly): "You'll feel better after some food, okay?"

Donovan felt... weird.

It was nothing major. Just little things.

Things he wouldn't have even noticed if not for that feeling creeping up his spine.

💭 You're overthinking.

He turned back to his family.

Elona was already dragging Aneesa toward the first ride.

Elona (yelling): "STORM CHASER, LET'S GO."

Marco clapped a hand on Donovan's shoulder.

Marco: "You ready?"

Donovan forced a smirk.

Donovan: "As I'll ever be."

Approaching the Ride - The Fear Kicks In

Storm Chaser loomed over them, a beast of twisted steel.

Screams echoed from above as a train of riders shot up the first climb.

The metallic clanking of the chain lift rattled through the air.

A huge sign displayed ride warnings-"EXTREME SPEEDS" / "NOT FOR THE FAINT OF HEART."

Donovan gulped.

His feet hesitated.

Donovan (muttering): "Maybe I should sit this one out."

Elona whipped her head toward him, looking personally offended.

Elona (grinning): "Ohhhh no. You are NOT backing out."

Aneesa laughed, nudging him.

Aneesa: "Where's all that big brother energy now?"

Marco smirked, nodding toward the entrance.

Marco: "Time to face the fear."

Donovan sighed, forcing himself to move forward.

Then-he saw her.

---

👀 Raeleen Appears - The Distraction Donovan Needed

Just past the ride entrance, weaving through the crowd, was Raeleen.

She was walking with her friends, heading toward the back of the same line.

His heart did something weird.

💭 No way.

For the first time all day, his fear of the ride vanished.

But before he could think, Elona saw her too.

And, of course-Elona being Elona-she acted instantly.

Elona (waving frantically, shouting): "HEY! HEY, YOU! OVER HERE!"

Donovan froze.

💭 Oh my God. No. No. No.

Raeleen paused, glancing toward them.

Her eyebrows lifted slightly, curious.

For a brief second, she made eye contact with Donovan.

Raeleen: "...Hey?"

Elona (grinning): "Come ride with us!"

Donovan wanted to melt into the pavement.

But then, Marco-smooth as ever-casually stepped forward.

Marco placed a firm hand on Elona's shoulder, steering her forward.

Marco (calmly): "Come on, kiddo. Let's move up a little."

Aneesa, catching on immediately, took Elona's other hand and pulled her forward in line.

Elona (confused, still grinning): "Wait, what-?"

Donovan blinked. The space beside him was suddenly open.

Marco gave him a small, knowing nod.

Marco (low voice): "Go on."

Donovan hesitated.

💭 This is it. Right here.

His feet moved before his brain caught up.

He squeezed between a few people, slipping toward Realeen's group.

Raeleen was now just a few feet away.

She watched him approach, arms crossed, curious but not unkind.

Donovan cleared his throat.

Donovan (nervously): "Uh. Hey."

Raeleen (tilting her head): "...Hey?"

For a terrifying second, she didn't recognize him.

Then-realization hit.

Her eyebrows raised.

Raeleen: "Wait... you go to my school, don't you?"

Donovan exhaled. Progress.

Donovan: "Yeah. I-uh-yeah. Donovan."

Raeleen smirked slightly.

Raeleen: "Right, right. You play football, right?"

Donovan internally winced.

💭 Great. She thinks I'm just another jock.

Donovan (rushing to fix it): "Yeah, but I'm really into anime though."

That got her attention.

Her face lit up slightly.

Raeleen: "Ohhh? Now that's more interesting."

For the first time, Donovan relaxed.

The ride? The noise? The people?

Didn't matter anymore.

For once-he wasn't thinking about survival.

He was thinking about something else entirely.

The line shifted forward as another batch of riders entered the loading station.

Donovan and Raeleen stepped up together, side by side.

It was... weird.

Good weird.

For the first time today, he wasn't worried about Elona being annoying or Marco making jokes at his expense.

He was just here.

With her.

Donovan searched for something-anything-to say.

Donovan (clearing throat): "So, uh... you like roller coasters?"

Raeleen glanced at him, smirking.

Raeleen: "I'm in line, aren't I?"

💭 Stupid question. Great start.

Donovan chuckled nervously, rubbing the back of his neck.

Donovan: "Right. Dumb question."

Raeleen shrugged, teasing.

Raeleen: "At least you're self-aware."

She leaned against the railing, crossing her arms.

Raeleen: "What about you? You scared?"

Donovan (lying): "Nah."

Raeleen (raising an eyebrow): "You sure? 'Cause you looked real nervous a minute ago."

Donovan opened his mouth-then shut it.

She wasn't wrong.

The line inched forward.

For a moment, they just stood there, the noise of the park filling the silence.

Then, Raeleen tilted her head slightly.

Raeleen: "So, Donovan... I know you from school, right?"

Donovan (nodding): "Yeah. We have Chem together."

Raeleen (thinking, then smirking): "Ohhh yeah. You sit in the back. Kinda quiet."

Donovan: "More like trying not to get called on."

She chuckled.

Raeleen: "Smart strategy."

The line moved again.

Donovan, feeling a little braver, spoke up.

Donovan: "So, uh... you into anime?"

Raeleen perked up.

Raeleen: "Heavy. You?"

Donovan (grinning slightly): "Yeah. Big time."

Raeleen: "Alright. What's your top three?"

Crap. The hardest question ever.

Donovan (thinking hard): "Uhhh... Fullmetal Alchemist, Attack on Titan, and... maybe Jujutsu Kaisen?"

Raeleen nodded approvingly.

Raeleen: "Solid picks."

Then-she smirked.

Raeleen: "Alright. But real question... sub or dub?"

Donovan blinked.

Donovan: "Oh. We're really going there, huh?"

Raeleen (grinning): "Absolutely."

Donovan: "Sub. All day."

Raeleen (mock-relieved): "Okay, good. You passed."

For the first time, Donovan genuinely laughed.

A few feet ahead, Elona peeked over her shoulder.

Her smirk was huge.

Elona (whispering to Marco): "He's talking to her."

Marco, cool as ever, shrugged.

Marco: "Of course he is."

Aneesa grinned, nudging Marco.

Aneesa: "Should we mess with him?"

Marco chuckled.

Marco: "Nah. Let the boy cook."

Elona giggled, but turned back around, leaving Donovan alone.

The line was almost at the loading platform.

The closer they got, the more the anticipation grew.

The rumble of the ride echoed through the station.

The smell of grease and metal filled the air.

A nervous-looking kid ahead of them was clutching the railing like it was his last hope.

Raeleen, unfazed, leaned in slightly.

Raeleen: "So, be honest. You really scared?"

Donovan exhaled, then shrugged.

Donovan: "...A little."

Raeleen grinned.

Raeleen: "At least you own it."

Then-she nudged his arm.

Raeleen: "Tell you what. If you don't scream, I'll buy you a funnel cake after."

Donovan blinked.

Donovan: "...Deal."

And just like that-he forgot to be afraid.

The metal gate swung open, and the ride attendant waved them forward.

Attendant: "Alright folks, move quickly! Secure all loose items!"

Donovan and Raeleen stepped onto the loading platform.

His heartbeat picked up. But not from fear.

He glanced at Raeleen, then made his move.

Donovan (casually): "You, uh... wanna sit next to me?"

Raeleen raised an eyebrow, smirking.

Raeleen: "You need a good luck charm?"

Donovan (grinning): "Something like that."

Raeleen: "Sure, why not?"

💭 No way that worked.

They slid into their seats, pulling down the harness.

Behind them, the ride attendants checked restraints.

Overhead Announcement: "Clear for launch. Enjoy the ride!"

Click. Click. Click.

The coaster lurched forward.

The train tilted upward, clicking steadily up the vertical track.

The higher they climbed, the smaller the park below became.

The ocean gleamed in the distance, waves crashing against the cliffs.

The wind picked up, whistling past their ears.

Donovan was fine.

Totally fine.

Right up until...

The coaster reached the peak.

A terrifying 200 feet in the air.

The track curved downward sharply.

His stomach flipped.

💭 Oh. Oh no.

The realization slammed into him.

He was about to fall.

Raeleen turned her head slightly, eyes on him.

She was checking to see if he'd scream.

💭 Oh hell no. I can't lose now.

Then-the drop happened.

The train lurched forward-gravity took over.

The wind rushed past his face.

Screams erupted around him.

But Donovan?

He held his breath.

Instinct.

His hands gripped the restraints like his life depended on it.

But he didn't scream.

The train leveled out at the bottom, hurtling into the next section.

Donovan's chest heaved slightly.

Raeleen nudged him.

Raeleen (grinning): "You alive?"

Donovan exhaled sharply, nodding.

She laughed, shaking her head.

Raeleen: "Did you just hold your breath the whole way down?"

Donovan rubbed his face.

Donovan (muttering): "...Maybe."

Before he could recover-the loop was next.

Raeleen patted his arm.

Raeleen: "You got this."

Then-they flipped upside down.

The train screeched into the brakes, slowing to a stop.

The moment their harnesses unlocked, Donovan let out a breath he didn't realize he was holding.

Raeleen stretched, grinning.

Raeleen: "Not bad, Donovan. Not bad."

Donovan sat up, exhaling.

Donovan: "So... did I pass the test?"

Raeleen smirked.

Raeleen: "I dunno. You didn't scream, but holding your breath is kinda cheating."

Donovan: "I still get the funnel cake though, right?"

Raeleen rolled her eyes playfully.

Raeleen: "Yeah, yeah. A deal's a deal."

They stepped off the ride, the adrenaline still buzzing in Donovan's veins.

💭 I actually did it.

Then-he realized something even better.

💭 I just made a new friend and it's Rae.

The moment Donovan walked back to his family, Elona was waiting.

Elona (mocking, clapping): "OH WOW, LOOK WHO SURVIVED."

Aneesa and Marco stood nearby, arms crossed, smirking.

Aneesa: "He did more than survive."

Marco: "He got a date."

Elona (gasping dramatically): "OH. MY. GOD. HE REALLY DID."

Donovan rolled his eyes.

Donovan: "Okay, y'all are doing too much."

Elona cackled.

Elona: "'holding your breath for the funnel cake?' BOY, YOU CORNY."

Donovan: "I hate you."

Marco clapped him on the shoulder.

Marco: "Proud of you, son."

Aneesa winked.

Aneesa: "You got game, but remember-you got it from us."

Donovan shook his head, but he couldn't stop smiling.