Johnny looks a bit shocked at my blunt dismissal of his theory. Luke is more polite about it but I can tell he thinks there's something more going on as well. Then he turns to me an' asks, Why'd the Carnival stay? I can feel Johnny looking at me as well. An' I look down an twirl the glass 'tween my hands as I try an' figure what to tell them.

Look up an start, "We didn't choose to stop here. Managment did. The only way to leave this town is to sever all ties to the Carnival. Otherwise you're stuck. The town becomes a trap. We can see the freedom of the road but we can't have it. Not without giving up something whose real cost you never find out til it's too late." I stare into the depths of my drink, the green calming me. I've heard stories, from Mama an Abby, bout those who paid Management's price to leave.

I down the rest of my drink in one go and slam the glass down on the table.