Into the great wide open

 Randy wanted to give the Labubu doll back to Monica, but she wouldn't hear of it.

"I got it for you," she shrugged about the matter. "Besides, you can come with me to the carnival."

He guessed he owed her, but he wasn't much for crowds, or the rides. It looked dangerous to him, but he wouldn't say anything. Besides, she had a good reason to hold his hand because it was crowded.

There were moments he felt he was the child being dragged along and he went on the fast rides on an empty stomach because otherwise he would have thrown up, by now.

"Maybe, I could win one for you," he wanted to put a stop to the carnival rides. Of course, there was nothing in sight that resembled a Labubu.

"No way," she pouted in her skimpy outfit. She pointed to the Ferris wheel. They needed to be there to see the fireworks.

Randy thought he might faint in the heat of the night, but he let her lead the way. A part of him hoped she would find something else to sidetrack her, but no, she knew exactly what she wanted. This was the first time they were alone together. 

Of course, he wondered if this might be the last time, too. What if he fell off the ride? Or just got sick, but it wasn't long until they found their seat, which felt like a rock beginning.

"I just don't think I can be who you want me to be," he finally confessed once the ride moved forward and they were looking down at the carnival.

"You are so not being fair to me," she protested. "I like you." She made it sound so simple.

"But," Randy squeezed his eyes shut. "I think of all the guys who-"

"Don't even say it. Losers always find me."

Randy sighed. "Well, maybe I'm the biggest loser of all."

"No, you're not." 

Her eyes opened wide. "You're smart and you're sweet." She hugged his arm then. There was no way she was letting go. It was as if she knew his potential all along. She pointed to a blast of fireworks in the sky. She smiled.

Yes, he could enjoy the moment. He guessed the future looked bright, after all.