They Hide: Short Stories to Tell in the Dark by Francesca Maria

of how one felt after riding it. Joey reached for his wallet, and realized he hadn’t gotten his allowance yet. His parents usually gave him money on Sundays, and in his haste, he forgot to ask for it a day early. As he peered in, he found a crisp twenty-dollar bill tucked neatly in the back. The surprise hit him, where had it come from? His wallet was empty the day before when he tried to buy a pack of gum from Wendells. Maybe his mom put it in there before he left. At the ticket booth, the boys were greeted by a forlorn-looking clown with deep, shadowy eyes and a long, droopy grin. The clown didn’t say anything, just pointed to the sign that showed ‘Adults $15, Kids under 14 $8’. The boys got their money out and handed it to the clown whose name, according to his name tag, was Virtue. Virtue gave them their change then pointed them to the turnstiles, never saying a word. Timmy ran right up to the next clown, this one with a happier demeanor, named Charity, who eagerly took their tickets, tore off the stubs, then motioned them to enter. This clown didn’t talk either. They made their way to the Bone Crusher and Timmy was first to line up. Another clown with a furrowed brow and an angry frown ushered them onto the ride. His name tag said Temperance. The ride lived up to its name, and Joey started rubbing his neck as soon as they disembarked. Timmy wasn’t at all fazed; few things could slow him down. Joey didn’t think Timmy had noticed that none of the clowns talked. It was supe