Chapter 1: Beginning (Normal Situation)
The carnival lights twinkled like stars against the night sky, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the faces of the eager crowd. The air was filled with the tantalizing scent of popcorn and cotton candy, while the sounds of laughter and screams from rides echoed through the park. It was a scene of pure, unadulterated joy, a place where cares and worries were left at the entrance, replaced by childlike excitement and wonder.
John walked through the bustling carnival, the crowd a swarm of motion around him.
He was an average-looking man in his 30s, with short brown hair and glasses that reflected the neon lights. His eyes scanned the various games and attractions, but his heart wasn't in it. He was here because his friends had dragged him, not because he wanted to be.
"Hey, John! Over here!" a voice called out. He turned to see a group of girls, barely out of their teens, waving him over. They were gathered around a monstrous inflatable bouncy house, its surface pulsating with color and crowned by the wicked grins of three seductive clowns.