“Deal.” Jake stood in line for their tickets, and then they climbed on, sitting three across.
Dot held her stuffed cow on her lap in between Harper and Mary. The ride operator checked they were securely in; Danny snapped a picture and sent it to Dot for her Instagram. She posted it right away. “Three Gotham girlies making the world go ’round in Wisconsin!”
The operator turned up the country music and away they went to “American Kids” by Kenny Chesney, climbing high over the midway. The sun had gone down and the lights of the fairgrounds came on in the most magical way. The wind gusted up and blew their hair around.
“I ate so much crap,” Harper said, putting her head in her hands. “I don’t feel well.”
“Come on, Harp. This is a very gentle ride. We’re barely moving,” Mary said. “You’ll be okay.” She gave Dot a sideways glance, rolling her eyes at the latest gastro drama.
“Oh, guys, I’m not so sure. I think I’m going to be sick,” Harper said.
“Well make sure to puke over the side, not on us!” Mary was still joking, but Harper wasn’t.
Then Dot realized. “Wait, Harper. Did you take an allergy pill before we left the house?”
“Yes. I had to with all the animals and dust out here.”
“But then we had those margaritas. And they were strong,” Dot said, reality becoming clear.
“Oh my gosh,” Harper groaned. “You’re right. NowonderI feel sick.”
“Take some deep breaths,” Mary said. “Focus on one thing in front of you. There—in the distance—see the lights at the fair entrance? Just look there, not all around.”
“We’ll get you some water as soon as the ride stops,” Dot promised.
They were still going around and around. Each time they passed ground level, Jake, Tommy, and Danny waved to them. Mary waved back, while Dot held tight to her cow, and Harper held on for dear life.
At one point the ride stopped while they were on top. Dot assumed it was because the operator was letting some people off and bringing others on for their turn. “It’s almost over, Harp.” The poor girl’s face was nearly green.
After a bit, when they hadn’t moved, Mary started wondering if something was wrong.
“We should be moving by now, right?”
“I’m sure we’ll get going any minute,” Dot said. Harper moaned in discomfort.
Suddenly, the wind picked up and a siren blared. Then the lights of the fair all went dark at once.
“What’s happening?” Harper asked, panic rising in her voice.
“Hold on.” Mary fumbled in her pocket to get her phone. She texted Jake.
“What’s going on?”
Three dots danced on Mary’s screen waiting for Jake’s reply.
“Seems like the power might be out. They’re working on it. Just hold tight.”
“What’s the siren mean?” she typed.
“Tornado warning. Doesn’t mean a tornado’s coming—it’s just a warning.” Jake was getting updates from emergency management on his work phone. His texts to her were calm, but her adrenaline was racing.
The wind picked up, lightning flashed, and the thunder roared.
Dot was holding her stuffed cow tight with one hand and held Harper’s hand with the other. They could hear cries for help from others on the ride. They saw people on the ground running for shelter.
“You guys. I’m scared,” Harper said. She was taking big gobs of breath. Her head hurt and she felt like she was falling.
“It’ll be okay,” Dot said, trying to convince herself as much as Harper.