Damien brings me to an amusement park.

Even after he buys our tickets and leads me through the massive entrance, I still can't believe it's happening. The sounds of children screaming on the roller coasters awakens hope and excitement that has lain dormant in my belly for so long. I want to go watch the brightly-colored cars fly down the tracks and loop upside down. I want to watch for hours.

And Damien seems content to let me, sitting beside me on a metal bench, the two of us unmoving in the midst of the chaotic crowd.

He doesn't say anything when I gape, tracking the progress of a car...