The scorching sun beat down upon the barren wasteland, as a lone figure trudged along the dusty path. Her clothes hung off her frail frame, and sweat dripped down her forehead, but she kept going. She had to keep going. For days, she had been wandering through the desolate landscape in search of something - anything - that could lead her to safety.
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.
As the sun began to set on the horizon, Sarah could feel her heart racing with anticipation. This was it, the moment she had been waiting for her entire life. She stood at the edge of the cliff, overlooking a vast expanse of water that seemed to stretch out endlessly before her. The wind whipped through her hair and tugged at her clothes as if beckoning her forward.
