Mira

His shadow follows me. He catches my elbow and turns me to face him with unexpected gentleness. Why does it feel as though the world stops every time this man touches me?

Elliot lets his hand fall at a snail's pace, caressing my skin along the way.

"Tell me why you're really spending the day in the park."

"I'm having trouble finding inspiration," I answer, my eyes fixed on my sneakers.

"And this is your solution?"

He sweeps a hand around us, a sneer on his lips.

"Why did you agree to become director if you hate this place so much?"

"I don't hate it."

"Okay. Then explain why you're making that face."

"I don't have to explain anything to you."

"If you behave like a child, you'll be treated like one. See you!"

I wave at him while striding away.

Elliot follows close on my heels and closes the distance between us without getting winded once.

"I'm coming with you."

"Why?" I protest.

"Because I find you interesting."

Elliot is the only person who can make my heart beat faster with a comment like that. I give in to his demand because I am helpless against him.

We continue toward the Kanaloa attraction, inspired by one of the Hawaiian gods. I head for the main entrance, but Elliot steers me toward the one for guests with priority access.

"We don't have a pass."

When I try to stop, his palm finds the small of my back and pushes me forward. A gentle warmth spreads beneath his hand.

"You're looking at it," he says, pointing to his face.

"Oh my God!" I exclaim with a little snicker. "That is so corny. I can't believe those words actually came out of your mouth."

He remains silent, but I can feel him shaking with laughter.

"You know, having special access doesn't help me experience Wondervale from an average visitor's perspective. I like talking to guests and hearing their opinions while I wait."

We walk the long, empty corridors in silence.

"Why do you want to spend time with me, anyway?"

Elliot takes out his bottle of Tums and has another one.

"You're not supposed to go on this ride if you have heart problems," I tease.

"I don't have heart problems," he says, giving me an icy look. "It's just indigestion."

"Or a side effect of being an idiot."

I wink at him, and he mutters something unintelligible under his breath.

We are directed to the waiting area for the roller coaster. At Elliot's request, an employee leads us to the front of the train, where the first seats are located.

"No, we'd like to sit back there," I say, pointing to the rear.

Elliot raises an eyebrow in surprise but follows me to the back of the train. When the safety harness lowers, our arms brush.

I look straight ahead as the train starts climbing the side of a Hawaiian volcano. Warm steam gradually fills the air, and soon I can barely see anything.

This is my favorite part. My heart races as the metallic clanking grows louder and louder. With one final push at the top, the train clears the rim and plunges straight into the fake lava.

We zigzag at breakneck speed, and I scream, my stomach dropping. Elliot, who was so stoic a moment ago, bursts out laughing. He watches me instead of the ride. I do not quite know what to make of that. Judging by the feeling in my chest, maybe I need a Tums too.

On the next drop, we go upside down, then into a corkscrew, and I scream the whole way. It truly is one of the park's best attractions. My heart is still hammering in my chest as the train approaches the unloading station.

"So, did you like it?" I ask Elliot, curious.

"I think you ruptured my eardrums."

His gaze, fixed on me, darkens. He licks his lower lip, then reaches out to smooth down my wild curls.

My heart races even faster.

"I could ride it forever and never get tired of it."

"Really?" he asks, surprised.

"Yes! Doesn't it make you feel alive?"

When we stop beside the platform, Elliot makes a hand gesture. Unlike those of the other passengers, our harnesses remain locked in place.

"Um... What's happening?"

Everyone gets off except us. Elliot gives another signal, and the train starts again, this time with no other passengers but us.

"Why are we going again?" I ask loudly to make myself heard over the grinding gears.

"You said you wanted to ride it again," he replies, unreadable.

"Yes, but I didn't expect it to happen."

"Well, we're going now."

We begin climbing the volcano again.

"Why are you spending so much time with me? Don't you have something else to do? Other employees to torment, for example?"

"Maybe I like hearing you scream," he says evasively.

"Monster."

At the station, the operator checks our restraints. I tell Elliot about a technician using a temporary stairwell near the workshop.

“Who told you?” he asks.

“A technician whose name was missing from the safety log.”

“Give me the name.”

“Not until you promise he will not lose his job for speaking.”

He considers it, then opens a note on his phone. “Send me the route and date. I will preserve the report and keep him on paid leave while the auditor checks it.”

I send the details. Security confirms the stairwell is closed, but the closure was never entered in the official map. We walk the perimeter together, counting blocked exits and photographing missing signs. Elliot carries the clipboard while I mark each location.

At the last gate, he hands me the clipboard. “Submit this under your name.”

“You are not taking credit?”

“I am taking responsibility for making sure it reaches the right desk.”

I look at him, uncertain what to do with the difference.

He winks at me. I cannot believe my eyes! In response, my heart leaps and a shiver runs through me.

The operator waves the next group through, but Elliot does not move. He checks the restraint twice, then photographs a cracked inspection seal. He sends it to the auditor before standing.

“You are going to make enemies,” I say.

“I already have enemies.”

The ride starts without us. Empty cars climb into the painted mountain while we wait beside the closed gate. For once, losing a minute does not feel like a failure. It feels like evidence.