Competing with a Memory

Parker stood in the basket. It was now upright and ready to go. He checked his instruments. The weather was perfect. Other balloons were popping up around him and the crowds were moving in. Parker wanted to get into the air quickly so he’d have the sky to himself, at least for a few minutes. It was still mostly dark and the flames lit up each balloon as they worked on getting upright. He turned to Ruby, who was transfixed by the balloons, wonder written across her features. He had felt the same way when he attended his first festival as a child.

“You sure you don’t want to come with me?” he asked.

Ruby looked like she did want to come as she ran a finger across the top of the basket. “I—I’d love to…”