"Upon her entrance, a man finds himself the focus, unfortunately prompting her to fixate, causing her facial muscles to tense."
In the vibrant heart of Brooklyn, New York, a unique story unfolds on a national holiday. The protagonist, a hardworking member of the Vourderis family, has been granted a rare break from his duties at the iconic Wonder Wheel, a historic attraction that forms part of Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park.
This respite comes at a time when the family is facing an unexpected challenge. The mother, a centaur woman who operates a ride at Astroland, has been struck by a sudden illness, leaving a vacuum that the father has filled by declaring a family vacation. For the protagonist, this is the first time he has seen his mother sick, and the news has left him terrified.
The Wonder Wheel operator has spent his life working day and night, seven days a week, ensuring the smooth operation of the amusement park. His dedication to the family business has not gone unnoticed, but it has also resulted in some criticism or disapproval for not being married at his age. In his family, being unmarried is considered equivalent to having a venereal disease, a stigma that he has had to bear with quiet resilience.
During this vacation, the protagonist finds himself at Coney Island, a place he knows intimately but has rarely had the chance to enjoy. As he walks along the Riegelmann Boardwalk, takes in the sights of the amusement parks, and feels the sand between his toes on the beach, he finds a sense of peace he has long been missing.
The highlight of his leisure time comes when he gets the opportunity to watch the fireworks display, a spectacle that lights up the night sky over Coney Island. As he watches the colours dance and the explosions illuminate the sea, he feels a renewed sense of hope and determination.
This break from his usual routine is a significant change from last year, as they recently acquired the operation of the Wonder Wheel. Now, as he stands on the sidelines, he reflects on his journey and looks forward to the future, ready to face whatever challenges may come his way.
Sources: [1] Deno's Wonder Wheel Amusement Park. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://www.denows.com/ [3] Coney Island History Project. (n.d.). Retrieved June 15, 2023, from https://coneyislandhistory.org/
During this family vacation in the heart of Brooklyn, the protagonist takes a break from his demanding lifestyle as a Wonder Wheel operator, embracing a change in routine for a chance at outdoor-living and immersing himself in the beauty of home-and-garden at Coney Island. Amidst the vibrant display of fireworks illuminating the night sky, he reflects on his past and envisions a hopeful future, ready to face any challenges that may arise in his home and garden life.
