The Dictionary of a Hopeless Romantic Wordsmith (2020)

Chapter Eight

The lights of the peryahan is beautiful, with the lights from the Ferris Wheel and Carousel standing out. Beside the Carousel is a smaller version of Anchor's Away called The Viking, which is a huge boat that rocks forward and backward. Just behind the Ferris Wheel is The Giant Octopus, which is, of course, a giant octopus holding eggs with its tentacles—The Giant Octopus is a completely twisted ride. It’s basically the whole Octopus spinning, while all the tentacles are rocking up and down, on top of that, the eggs are also spinning as well. And behind the octopus ride is The Moon Rocket, which is just a fast rocket-ship ride travelling on a slightly skewed elliptical railing. The last ride that is set up in the peryahan, just a bit beyond The Moon Rocket is The Train of Horrors—a train travelling through a tunnel full of spooky surprises.

Scattered between the rides are different booths of peryahan games you can play to win prizes, like The Ring Toss, Shoot the Duck, and Pop The Balloon.

When you walk beyond the rides, you'll get to the area where the tiangge booths and the street food stalls are located. In the center of the area is a giant makeshift stage where the highlights of the year's festivities take place. These are commonly pageants for women and gays, and the all-night rakrakan where different local bands come together and play until sunrise.

“What do you want to do first?” Ethan asked excitedly, “Should we try all the rides? Do you want to ride The Giant Octopus?”

I cannot help but smile at him. He looks like he's never been in a peryahan before because he's like a jumpy kid that's excited to try all the rides.

“You pick the first ride.” I happily told him.

I saw him smile and dragged me to The Giant Octopus ride. He went and bought us two tickets and we started waiting in line.

My eyes are focused on Ethan right now. The screaming of the people currently on the ride does not faze Ethan in any way. On the contrary, he looks like he's been waiting for this moment his entire life.

“That looks so fun!” He said while we are waiting in line, “Don't you think?”

I am never a fan of The Giant Octopus ride. The last time I've ever experienced the ride is back when I was thirteen when the peryahan was set up on my hometown back in Nueva Ecija. I remember feeling so nauseous after getting off that I told myself I'd never do it again.

“It does.” I answered, “As long as it doesn't kill me.”

I felt Ethan's hand on mine while we were waiting in line.

But now, here I am. About to break the promise I made with my thirteen year-old self.

I just focused on the fact tonight will be the one of the best nights I will experience in my life. That the idea of an adventure with someone I can call a friend is more than the fear of this ride I had when I was thirteen.

“We’re next. Are you ready, Drei?” Ethan asked.

Yes.

I gave him an assuring nod.

This will be one of the greatest adventures of my life.

The Giant Octopus started spinning, gradually accelerating by the minute.

The whole ride was just as I experienced it before. It was nauseating. I just focused my attention on Ethan the whole time—trying to tune out the screaming, at the same time, trying to fend off all the anxiety in my stomach because this is just the beginning of this sick and twisted ride.