With the dark sphere floating off into the west, leaving a trail of
corporate trash, the city stares off into the twilight after it. As
the shadows grow with the coming of night, then finally becoming
absolute, a new sound can be caught on the northern wind. Saccharine
sweet, the sound calls to lost eras of fun, summoning the heart of
the child out of everyone who hears it. Soon the sound is clear to
everyone in the streets, a reedy song coming from a long forgotten
instrument.
With the music comes the aroma of cotton candy, fried foods, and the
gamey smell of penned animals. Then the night is pierced with lights
going on one by one in the darkness to the north, followed by cheers
and laughs of unknown crowds.
Standing at the northern gate, a man and woman dressed in impeccable tuxedos and top hats wave and call to all within
sight. “Come one come all to Gentleman Dark's Circus of Wonders and
Mystery! For one night only, all games, attractions, and rides are
absolutely free! No charge tonight for the wonderful people of your
fair city!” they cry, their combined voices resonating through the
town.
Soon the guards leave the gates to approach the criers, asking them
to stop and come to the palace. With low bows and wide, white smiles,
they step back into the embrace of total darkness. A moment later all
that is left are voices, shouting the praises of their circus
one last time, and the Cheshire mirage of smiles. Soon, these too are
gone.
The bigger the humbug, the better
people will like it. We have something for everybody.
- P.T.
Barnum
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