Repose

[Left for Steve M]

[On Steve's temporary bed at the Carriage House, an old history book. It's leatherbound and worn enough that the spine bends like paper. Inside, there are newspaper clippings, old photographs of familiar soldiers at play and war, and tucked pieces of newer, lined paper, all filled with notes and commentary. The book, clippings, photographs and notes all belonged to Atticus' historian father, though he doesn't indicate that anywhere. There's one old Captain Liberty card tucked in the front, with the man in his suit and commemorating his birthday, and that's the only indicator of why the book is even there.]

Reece. Cat was injured in Second City. I'm bringing her to your place with Jack, he was there and hurt also. She'll be fine, she just needs rest.

Who: Adrian, Patrick, and Connie
What: Adrian makes trouble (with a dose of flashback) and Patrick and Connie come looking
Where: The Capital
When: The days following this.
Warnings/Rating: Some vague mentions of sex and violence, nothing graphic.

( The little boy sits in a yellow plastic chair. )

[The Carnival's official re-opening under new management comes on July 4th. Entrance is free! And the explosion of fireworks overhead promises to be magical, which, given this particular Carnival is more than just smoke and mirrors. Fliers are distributed in the Capital heading up to the event, and word spreads quickly on social media that the strange and wonderful Carnival in Repose's woods is awake from its slumber. Cars start arriving early, before doors even open, and tailgaters grill and drink in the woods, where cars are parked haphazardly with a short walk to the actual Carnival entrance.

The Carnival itself glistens. The games are crowded, and the carousel and ferris wheel spin nonstop and to full seats. The line for the freakshow is livened up by performers walking, and the burlesque is packed. The 10-in-1's sounds filter down midway and fortune teller tents alike, and people whisper about magic from beginning to end. How did the fortune teller know that one thing? Did you see any strings on that flying acrobat? Was that freak real? Can we stay to talk to the performers? On and on the chatter goes on. The only lament is visitors coming in search for the beloved animatronics of a certain green-clad carny owner, and the regulars talk about those miracles as the night goes on.

Late at night, the firework show finishes off the evening, visible all over Repose and a huge display that even a certain Mouse couldn't top. The brilliance stays in the sky longer than any fireworks should be able to, and the rain of lights brightens the evening well into the late hours.]