Last Second

Chapter 3

This had been one of the best days that either of them could have remembered so far. Misaki received a huge tip from a wealthy customer in the coffee shop earlier in the day, and now she was on a date with Hector. It had been a surprise to both of them when he asked her out just a couple weeks before. Misaki still remembered the goofy smile he had on his face when she said yes, while Hector reminisced the blush that painted her cheeks a rosy pink because of him. On their second date today, Hector planned a visit to the amusement park she’d dreamed about going to since childhood.

She was jumping out of impatience, acting like a child since he told her yesterday, but she didn’t care. Misaki hadn’t been to one since the tragedy that took hold over her family years ago.

“Hey! Wait up for me!” Hector laughed while jogging up to her from behind. He shrugged when Misaki rushed ahead to the grand ferris wheel before them. Quick as a rabbit, she immediately took a spot in the ever growing line for the ferris wheel ride.

She turned around and waved excitedly at him, gesturing for him to quickly resume the spot next to her. “Hurry up, Hec!” she yelled playfully.

Hector flashed her a smile, and when he finally caught up with her, slowly paced forward in the line for the rest of the way while admiring the large and colorful ferris wheel. Although a sense of dismay was born in the wait of long line, the realization that this wait was the perfect opportunity to reintroduce themselves to one another was very appealing.

They chattered and laughed among themselves about stories neither of them had revealed to each other before. Before they knew it, their turn on the ferris wheel arrived.

The operator collected the tickets from Hector, who gave her a polite smile. She opened the cart door for both of the passengers to enter. Hector allowed Misaki to enter first being the gentleman he was. Misaki sent an endearing smile at him before climbing on. He followed suit behind Misaki, sliding down enthusiastically into the empty seat next to his date.

“Have a nice time on the grand ferris wheel,” the operator tells them. Then, as though she didn’t want anyone else to hear, she whispered to them before pulling the doors shut, “Remember not to do anything that offends the worlds.”

She walked back to push a green button on her control panel. “All aboard!”

Ryan's P.O.V.

No, Ryan thought. No, no, no, no, no. It all seems so surreal, but I can’t let my friends suffer, if in any case this is reality. I'm so close to the ferris wheel, but I still have to hurry up and warn them… Shoot! Is it starting already? Wait, what time is it now? He pulled up the sleeves on his jacket, cursing that the display on his wristwatch read 11:59 P.M.

The sprint towards the entrance platform ferris wheel left him breathless, but he couldn’t give up knowing that he was the key to avoid another tragedy. He’d arrived just in time when Hector and Misaki were entering the cart. Ryan slowed down and started walking towards their ride, smiling, proud that he made it.

“Hey guys, I’m so happy that I got here in time. Long story short, just hurry up and get out of her-... Um...” he cut himself off when the hand he planned to plant on Hector’s shoulder went right through his friend. Ryan tried again and again, eventually swinging his limbs through both of his friends,

As his friends settled comfortably, oblivious to Ryan’s presence, the operator approached the couple. “Have a nice time on the grand ferris wheel,” she tolc Hector and Misaki. Then, with a wary glance towards Ryan, she whispered, “Remember not to do anything that offends the worlds,” before pulling the ferris wheel doors shut.

“NO!” Ryan shouted. It was too late as the final escape route was already sealed tightly behind them. Ugh, just let them see me, damn it!

“Ryan?” Misaki suddenly spoke up.

What? “You can see me?” Ryan asked.

She nodded. “But why… How are you here all of a sudden?”

Ryan was about to answer, but Hector’s look of concern was more apparent. “Uh, Misaki… Ryan isn’t here.”