The scent of manure and hay permeates the air as Jamie steps out of his car. Something inside of himself had been pushing him to go to the fair. And amongst the crowd, he trudges on and scouts out the scenery. A plethora of families and couples (both young and old) swarm the grounds and stalls. Some bickering over where to go next, others celebrating victory in the carnival games.
Jamie strolls around, weaving in and out of the paths of the public, looking for something to keep his attention, when he notices a titular carney and a "test-your-strength" machine.
"Come one, come all! Test your might in this challenge for only the strongest of men and women! Wack this 'high striker' of mine and win a prize! All you need to do is make the bell ring with a mighty slam!", the carney's voice is far reaching and yet it sounds like he's speaking directly to Jamie.
A tickle runs down Jamie's spine as he turns towards the attraction, something compelling his legs forward and his hand outward. The carney ceases his pitch and grasps Jamie's hand firmly. He locks eyes with the carney and in an instant, they both know what is going to happen next. And with a thud, a piercing ding and a gasp from the surrounding crowd, Jamie finds himself on the ground.
Dazed and confused, Jamie is shook awake by a passerby. A man somewhat familiar looking man but Jamie can't put a name to the face. The crowd that had gathered around Jamie's unconscious body begins to cheer for both him and the man. Apparently, Jamie had knocked the bell clean off the contraption, hitting him clean on the head and the carney ran off in fear of a lawsuit.
"Son, I have no idea how your head is still in one piece but I certainly am glad that you're okay.", the gentleman begins to speak, with a tone of concern yet having total control, "That bell must weigh at least fifteen pounds."
"Thanks, mister. I appreciate someone looking out for me", Jamie exudes gratitude as he is helped to his feet by the kind man. "Say, you look familiar. What's your name, sir?"
"You must not be from around here, son. My name is Robert but you can call me Bob. Or-", he is interrupted by two men in black suits before he can finish his sentence.
"Mister Senator, we need to leave. The timetable is behind schedule because of this" one of the men state.
"Yes, yes.", he wearily says before letting go of Jamie's arm. "It was good meeting you, young man. Be safe out there! You're too strong for your own good.", he chortles at his remarks as he is escorted away.
An EMT paramedic rushes over to Jamie and insists that he goes through an assessment due to any possible head trauma. In no real position to argue against it, Jamie agrees and they meander over to the nearby ambulance. On the way there, Jamie begins to wonder why he even came here in the first place and why that man looked so familiar but he keeps this to himself as the paramedic outpaces him.
YOU ARE READING
Cursed to Forget
General FictionJames (Jamie) Martinez finds his life suddenly shook up after a run in with an older lady at the local store. He seemingly forgets more and more with the amount of head trauma he incurs. From losing his girlfriend to forgetting his mom's birthday...
