The sun beat down on the dusty road as I trudged along, sweat beading on my forehead, and my backpack feeling heavier with every step. I had been walking for hours without seeing a single person or any sign of civilization. The only sounds were the crunching of gravel beneath my boots and the occasional chirping of crickets in the distance.
It was the summer of 1995, and the town of Millfield was buzzing with excitement. The annual carnival had just arrived in town, bringing with it all the classic attractions - a Ferris wheel, cotton candy stands, and endless games of chance. But for thirteen-year-old Lily Johnson and her best friend Michael, there was only one thing they were interested in: winning the bumper car championship. They had been practicing for weeks on end and were determined to take home the grand prize.
