November 30, 2005
Week 31 - Impossible Dreams 12
Episode 3
Lucy and Powell pull out of a crowded parking lot. "I can't believe there are no spots!" Lucy says. "Why would they design such a big place and not include adequate parking? This is exactly the kind of stupidity that's everywhere. It's amazing civilization doesn't come crashing down on our heads!"
They drive through the rundown streets that surround the park, until they finally find a place to squeeze the car. "Not the... um, not the nicest neighborhood in the world," Powell says, as they get out.
"It is pretty dark." Lucy squeezes his arm. "Fortunately, I have my big, tough superhero to protect me!" She looks around and spots a tall, thin pole that stretches into the sky. "It's the Observation Tower! Are you sure you don't want to go on? We could probably see all the way to Connecticut from up there." Powell shakes his head and she shrugs.
They walk through the dimly lit streets until they finally reach the park. After they pay, they enter and survey the noisy grounds. "Well," Lucy says, "I guess the roller coaster and ferris wheel are out. I suppose you can handle a merry-go-round?"
"We could... we could just leave right now, if you want," Powell snaps. "I told you I don't like heights! Go on the rides yourself, if they're so important to you."
"I'm sorry, I'm just teasing. Let's be friends, please? Who knows when we'll get to do something like this again." They walk past the Observation ride. A flat, disc shaped seating area rests at the base of the high tower. The entrance area is gated off. "Look, that thing is out of order till tomorrow anyway," Lucy says, reading a sign. "We couldn't have gone up, even if you'd wanted to."
They come to a stand where a row of guns are mounted into a rail. "Pop the balloons and win a prize," shouts a barker from inside. "You there sir," he calls to Powell, "win a prize for your lovely lady, it's easy! Just one ticket!"
Lucy nudges him forward. Powell hands the barker a ticket, grips one of the guns and aims toward the mouth of a clown face, inside the booth. A bell rings and he pulls the trigger. A stream of water shoots from the pistol and splatters against the wall, completely missing the intended target. Powell mutters and adjusts his aim. After a few moments, he finally succeeds and the balloon begins to expand. But before it is even halfway full, the bell rings again and the water stops.
"Too bad sir, too bad," the barker says. "Would you like to try again? Practice makes perfect, they say. How 'bout you, lovely lady? Prove the fairer sex is also the tougher!"
Lucy giggles and gives him a ticket. She grips the gun and aims. The bell rings and the balloon immediately begins to expand. It grows larger and larger and, just as the bell rings once more, it pops. The barker holds out his palms in ecstasy. "Beautiful and an ace shot! Don't mess with this girl feller, she's a killer! Now, pick your prize."
Lucy examines a row of little toys and finally chooses a large, white teddy bear wearing a Cosmoland tee-shirt. She hands it to Powell. He grips it tightly and frowns.