"Please don't force me to ride that buggy train again!" I pleaded with Amber, taking a hesitant step back from the ghostly buggy. Why does she love this so much? I just don't get it. It's a waste of time, a completely joyless experience. But... I love her. So I'll just have to deal with it.
Amber, my girlfriend, was a walking encyclopedia of chemistry, but this was her greatest passion. "I'm sick of it!"
Amber's Inner Thoughts: I know he hates this, but he always gives in. He's so stubborn sometimes, but also so sweet. I just want him to share this thrill with me, to see what I see in it. Maybe this time will be different.
Anathea, her best friend and "sidekick," was short-haired, energetic, and always on board with Amber's plans. She was with her boyfriend, Lucas, so she couldn't fully entertain Amber's impatience.
"Mearko, why are you standing there so long? This train will be full soon."
"Are you afraid of ghosts?" Lucas said with a mocking tone.
Mearko's Inner Thoughts: Oh, I hate this guy already. Who is he to judge me? We just met. But I'll just ignore him. He thinks I'm scared? Fine. Let him think that.
"What—?! Me… afraid of ghosts? Shut up!" I shot back. I'm not scared of ghosts. I'm scared of how stupid this whole thing is. And his expensive jacket—he's a complete poser.
"So, come here and sit," Amber said simply.
"I am not afraid of those things!" I told Amber, making sure Lucas could hear. He gave me a dismissive glance.
Lucas's Inner Thoughts: He's so dramatic. What's his problem? Just get on the ride. It's not that serious.
"Okay… Enough murmuring… it's so annoying!" Amber's voice held a trace of exasperation. Why are they fighting? This is supposed to be fun. He's ruining the mood before we even start.
"Yeah, we better hold our breath… And see what's going on out there!" Anathea was brimming with excitement. This is going to be so great! I love the adrenaline rush. I hope they just stop fighting and have some fun.
"Ugh!" I sighed. I got on the buggy.
Mearko's Inner Thoughts: No choice. I'm stuck here. Just get it over with. It's like a battle I've already lost.
I sat calmly, my face serious. What is the point of this? A date shouldn't be like this. I can't even hold her hand because she's so busy being scared. I can't kiss her because some fake monster might jump out. I just want to be close to her without all this chaos.
I stared at the banner: "CASTLE GHOST." My eyes fixed on the word—Ghost. I used to be so scared of that word as a kid. Now, it's just a funny word for something that isn't real. It's a cheap thrill, and I'm tired of it.
The ride was full, and the engine rumbled to life. "Hey, guys, there's smoke!" Anathea exclaimed.
"It's glycol," my girlfriend said calmly.
Amber's Inner Thoughts: He'll love this part. I get to explain the science behind the magic. It's a way to connect with him, to show him that even this ridiculous ride has something real in it.
"Primarily propylene glycol, C3H8O2… and sometimes diethylene glycol, C4H1O3. But propylene glycol is very common and considered safe."
"Oh yeah, I see! There's no irritation," Anathea said, amazed.
I maintained a poker face, watching her. A walking encyclopedia in a ghost castle. Why can't she just enjoy the moment? It's not a science class.
"What?" she asked. "Don't look at me like that!"
"Is it necessary to explain it scientifically?" I asked. "I mean, you could simply say… the smoke effect has no carbon dioxide; it's just haze smoke."
"Oh, don't tell me, you hate complex terminologies, isn't it?"
Amber's Inner Thoughts: He's judging me. Again. I'm just trying to be myself. Why does he have to make it a problem?
"What?" I replied quickly. "I didn't say that! What I mean is… look at this place… is it a chemistry lab?"
"So… what are you pointing out… that I'm weird?" she said, her voice growing cold. He thinks I'm weird. My own boyfriend thinks I'm weird for being smart. He's so insensitive sometimes.
"I'm just advising you," I said.
"Well, thank you," she snapped. "If you have nothing good to say… keep it to yourself, and please stop pissing me off!" I just want to have fun. I'm so tired of fighting with him about this. Why can't he just be happy for me?
"Hey guys… Stop quarreling," Anathea interrupted. "The gate is about to open!"
The gate slowly wound open with a creaky, rumbling sound. Darkness rushed in. "This is a total waste of time!" I said angrily.
"What did you say?" my girlfriend replied. "Are you angry?"
"Hey, you two… just calm down, go with the flow… everyone here is enjoying it," Anathea smiled.
"Yeah, and I'm almost deaf!" These are just people in costumes. They're screaming for no reason. This is so pointless. Why can't they just be normal?
(A few minutes later)
"Mearko… can I… hold your hand?" she said, her voice trembling. I'm so scared. I know they're not real, but my body can't stop shaking. I just want him to be here for me, to protect me. I need him right now.
I felt her cold, trembling hand. "What are you afraid of? They're just fake!" She's so scared. It's so strange to see her like this, the girl who loves science. But I'll protect her. She's my girlfriend, after all.
"You're acting weird, though," she said, her voice small. "You will regret this." He's not taking this seriously. He's not trying to understand. I just feel so alone right now.
"What do you mean?" Anathea asked, her boyfriend Lucas by her side.
"Hmph… just forget it," Amber replied. "He disappointed me!"
"What?" I asked. "Did I do something that would get you off?" (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): What did I do? I'm holding her hand, I'm trying to be there for her. Why is she mad at me?
"You ruined my day, that's it!" He just doesn't get it. He's so logical. He can't see how his lack of empathy is hurting me. I just wish he'd hug me and say it's okay, not just tell me they're fake.
"Guys, here we come to the exciting part!" Anathea cheered. "Zombies are coming!" Oh, this is my favorite part! I can't wait to see the looks on everyone's faces. Lucas will be so protective. This is so romantic!
"Sweetie, hug me!" Anathea said to Lucas.
Lucas's Inner Thoughts: She's so cute when she's scared. I'll be her hero. I'll show him how to treat a girl right.
I looked at Amber. "Stop that!" she said, irritated.
"I thought you were afraid of those zombies?" I said, teasing her. "Do you need a hug?"
"No thanks!" She ignored me. He's still teasing me. He doesn't get it. I just wanted a genuine moment with him, and he's making it a joke. I can't believe him.
The lights flickered. The zombies' moaning filled the air. They were caged, moaning and stretching their hands. As our ride passed each cage, the door automatically opened, and the "zombies" chased us. People were screaming in a frenzy.
"Sweetie, look, they're chasing us!" Anathea cried out. "We're too slow!"
"Don't worry, sweetie pie, I'll protect you!" Lucas answered.
Everyone was panicking except us. We're so out of sync with all this. They're in their own little world of horror and romance. We're in a different world entirely.
Then the ride stopped. "Why did it stop?" "W—what happened?" "The light disappeared!"
Everyone's Inner Thoughts: This is part of the show, right? A new effect? This is really good! The silence is so creepy!
I heard a muffled voice mumble, "Hurry!" That wasn't part of the show. That was a real voice. What's going on?
I saw two zombies grab Amber's hands, causing her to wince in pain. They're not just acting. That was a real cry of pain. This is not a game anymore. I have to do something.
"Hey, that's enough!" I shouted. They didn't respond. They're not actors. What is this?
"Ouch!" my girlfriend cried out. She suddenly lost consciousness. "Amber! Wake up!" I turned on my phone, but someone snatched it away.
This is a kidnapping! This is real! I have to get her back!
I punched a zombie in the face. I don't care about anything else right now. I just need to get her back. Lucas and Anathea are too busy screaming. They don't know what's happening. I have to do this alone.
I chased after the kidnappers, following the red LED lights on their gear. Who are these people? Why are they kidnapping her? What do they want with her? It must have something to do with her mother's jewelry shop, or maybe her family's wealth. What else could it be?
I prepared to fight the shorter man. He's not so big. My gym workouts are for this. I can do this. I will save her. I'm not just a logical, emotionless guy. I can fight. This is my chance to prove myself, to show her what I'm made of.
I grabbed his hand, twisted his shoulder, and kicked him in the face. "Sleep well!" I did it! I actually did it! That video tutorial worked! I'm not useless. I can save her!
I ran as fast as I could, but it was too late. She was gone. (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): No! I failed. I was so close. What am I going to do now? I lost her. I failed to protect her.
I heard a faint, chaotic noise and followed it to a door. (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): This is a risk. It could be a trap. But I have to know. I have to find her. For Amber's sake, I have to take this risk.
I opened the door and saw the killer. (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): A woman? A killer? She's beautiful, but deadly. Who is she? She just killed him without a second thought. And she didn't even point the gun at me. Why? Is she a good guy? Is she a hero?
She gave a sweet message by saying, "She is lucky." (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): What does that mean? Lucky? Lucky because the kidnappers failed? Or lucky because she has me? Does she know me? What's going on?
I watched her drive away, mesmerized. (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): She's like a movie hero. So cool, so graceful. But… she's a killer. Who is she? I'm still so confused.
But then, reality snapped back. "Amber!" I quickly ran to her. (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): I almost forgot about her. How could I do that? I was so caught up in the mystery of the killer that I forgot the most important thing. I have to get her to a safe place. She's all that matters.
I saw a luxurious car stop near the kidnappers' van. A man, who looked to be in his 30s, stepped out, followed by bodyguards.
Are all dead?" the man simply asked.
"Yes, Sir, except for this man."
"He is still breathing."
"Tell, who did it?" he reluctantly asked.
"I-I don't know." He quickly shot him with a silencer gun. "Useless!" he blasted.
"Everyone, clean all the mess!" the bodyguard said. "Sir, you can go back to the car."
"We have failed to bring the new subject to my lord... Her anger is like a bite of hell!" He took a call. So, I knew it; he wasn't a boss. I really thought he was the one. Well, look at how securely they were guarding that man; he was more like a president. I assumed he was the grand prince or a son?
"My lord, we have a problem... the operation has been interrupted—we don't know who the hell that was. Don't worry, we will fix it. Of course... I know it is our responsibility, but unfortunately... we didn't expect this unexpected tragedy. They are all dead."
"Let's go, everyone!" he said.
They're cleaning up the mess. This is bigger than I thought. This is a whole organized operation. He's not a boss. He's like a prince. Who are these people? What do they want with Amber? It's not about money. It's about a "subject." What is a subject? This is all so strange and dangerous.
He looked towards the door I was hiding behind. "I think I was hallucinating. Let's go." Thank God. He didn't see me. I have to get out of here. I need to protect Amber. I can't let them find her.
I carried Amber to a safe place where I saw Anathea and Lucas. "Mearko?" she said. "Mearko, where have you been? We were so worried."
"You knew it?" I was shocked. (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): Did she see them? Does she know the truth?
"Well, obviously we were attacked by those zombies, right?" she giggled. "He is my knight in shining armor!" No... She has no idea. She thinks it was all part of the ride. They're so clueless. I can't tell them the truth. They'll never believe me. They'll think I'm making it up to sound tough.
"Did zombies tell you to hide from us?" Lucas said.
"Yeah!" Anathea added.
"I'm sorry… But, it is a long story, during that blackout." I can't tell them. They'll think I'm crazy. There's no proof. I have to find a way to get her help without raising suspicion.
"What? Long—?" She held her breath.
"Don't tell me, you're doing mystery, huh?! I mean chemistry—" she said. "Oh, I'm so jealous!" He's being so dramatic. He's trying to be mysterious, just like Amber is with her science stuff. It's so cute! He's trying to impress her.
"Nothing," I said shortly. (Mearko's Inner Thoughts): I can't tell them. They just won't believe me.
"What?!" Anathea reacted with shock.
"What do you mean… nothing?" she added. "I'm sure Amber will answer me correctly."
"It's already late… We better go in a—" I said, stopping myself. "In a hospital." I have to get her to a hospital. The drug must have been strong. I need to get her medical help, and maybe she can tell me what happened. She's the only one who knows the truth.
"Amber's body is cold!" Anathea touched her. "Is she going to die… She's barely breathing!" Oh my God, this is getting serious. I'm so worried. Why won't he just tell us what happened? He's being so difficult!
"There's a hospital nearby," Lucas said. "We'll take about 30 minutes. Let's go." This is all so weird. I don't trust him. He's hiding something. But the girl needs help. I'll get her to the hospital, and then I'll figure out what's really going on.