The Last Laugh
It was the grand finale no one wanted. For over a century, Brightworld Amusement Park had been the crown jewel of summer. Generations had grown up beneath its ferris wheel, and entire romances were born in the glow of the Tilt-A-Whirl’s flashing lights. But in the last decade, something changed. Every year, the lines got longer — not because of the rides, but because of the complaints. The cotton candy was “too sugary.” The roller coaster was “too scary.” The carousel horses were “too unrealistic.” Even the fireworks were “too loud,” though no one could agree on whether that was a good or bad thing. Management tried everything. Softer fireworks. Adjustable-speed roller coasters. A “non-spinning” Tilt-A-Whirl that didn’t whirl at all. Still, the complaints poured in, faster than tickets could be sold. Finally, one gray September morning, the owner, Mr. Lawson, unlocked the front gate for the last time. The rides were silent, their bright colors dulled by dust. A handful of curious local...
