Chapter 40: Tale Park World

Alicia rode the Grand Ferris Wheel alone, aiming to see an overview of the amusement park at night. She thought it'd be a wonderful sight to behold.

"I think I'll still try to look harder for Mr. Wang," Camille sighed. "I'll ride and enjoy later, so you go ahead with Ali."

"You're still on about that? Mr. Wang might not want to be found, though."

"I don't care! I'm still gonna look for him! He helped me a bit when we were in Castellia Fort. If he wants to stay here, then so be it, but at least I know he's safe!"

"A-Alright, then. Good luck."

Haru and Ali first tried the extreme roller coaster and then the Jungle Cruise. Ali pulled Haru towards the Haunted House and kept pointing towards it with his eyes sparkling.

"Y-You want to… try that?" Haru asked, frightened. "D-Don't you think that Drop Tower over there's better?"

Ali persistently shook his head and tugged Haru's shirt.

"Alright, alright, let's go." Haru reluctantly followed Ali's lead towards the Haunted House.

It was a typical haunted house attraction with its jump scares, dark surroundings, mummies and zombies, and eerie background sound. There was a glowing arrow from the floor leading their route and there were ghost costumes hanging overhead.

What struck him was a station at the near-end of the haunted house. There was a black prison encasing a pitiful malnourished child. On its ground were sands and foods untouched.

It was creepier and scarier more than anything in that whole haunted house. Haru thought it was somehow familiar, the vibe and the child that had deep, sorrowful eyes. He wondered where he had seen it somewhere, until he could feel Ali's tiny hands wrapping to his arm and so, they finally exited that attraction.

Haru heaved a relieved sigh when they got out, but the intrigued feeling towards that caged child didn't leave his heart and it lingered softly at the back of his mind. It feels like he's getting close to figuring out where he had felt and seen that scene.

Soon, they tried the Splash Ride and the Carousel and the Car Bumpers. They had their fun together.

One the next day, Camille joined them, enjoying the rest of the rides, attractions, booths, and games. They played and ate and laughed.

On the third night, while everyone else was asleep, Alicia, at her circus tent, laid on her bed in a daze. A little later, she heard a rustle and some footsteps outside.

"Can I come in?" A familiar voice asked. It was the old man, Mr. Wang.

Alicia sat on the bedside and told Mr. Wang that he could come in.

"Are you enjoying this world?" Alicia asked, smiling.

Mr. Wang stared for a while. "It's not better than the castle, since I'm too old to enjoy the rides and attractions."

"But you have to admit that it's still a worthwhile world, right? I mean, doesn't it remind you of childhood, family, and innocence? But well, I guess it's up to your preferences."

Mr. Wang didn't respond for a few seconds and no one could see through his expression on his wrinkled face. "I have… seen your memory."

Alicia nodded. "I know. It's pathetic, I'm aware. Hahaha…"

The old man sighed, "You… did a great job, Alicia. You were a great mother."

Alicia couldn't respond immediately.

"I'm sure that…" Mr. Wang went on. "…your son was really happy he had you as his mother. I'm sure he loved you so much till death."

Alicia's shoulder dropped and her tears started flowing across her cheeks once again. "Thank you," She whispered beneath her breath. "Thank you, Mr. Wang, really. I needed… to hear that."