I bolted awake a few moments later, taking a deep breath. Brendon stood in my doorway, eyes wide.

"Mari, pizza is here," He said softly.

I nodded, sitting up. Another unwanted thought played out in my vision, and I shook my head.

"You okay kiddo?" Brendon asked.

"Yeah, just tired," I said.

I followed Brendon out of the room. As soon as I stepped into the hallway I could smell the pizza. I hummed quietly, looking to make sure Brendon wasn't looking at me. He watched the ground, where a couple of dogs played.

When we approached the living room, Sarah spoke up, "Those are Penny and Bogart. They're usually chill but they haven't seen Brendon in a while." I watched as the puppies continued to jump onto Brendon, whining and yipping loudly. I took a seat next to Sarah, watching Brendon as he played with them.

Sarah pulled a box off the table, handing it to me. I opened it to see my pizza sitting there, covered in a metric buttload of cheese. I grinned, taking a slice out and biting into it.

Brendon joined us after a few minutes, and they let me pick a movie out. I opted for Captain America: The First Avenger. As long as the pizza had eight slices, I could time my eating out so that I had pizza during the entire movie.

I couldn't tell you how many times I'd seen this movie. I knew every single line, every action, every look. I could probably get away with watching this movie from memory if I'm being honest. As we watched the movie, I silently mouthed each line and ate through my pizza as the movie played.

Brendon and Sarah were quick to retire to bed after the movie, giggling on their way up the stairs. I scrunched my face, standing with my pizza box. Sarah said the box was right... here!

I tossed the pizza box in, smiling a little as I made my way up the stairs. Maybe tomorrow would be okay?

I nearly didn't leave my room the next day. It would have been perfectly fine for me if I had just been able to in the room. But Brendon and Sarah decided we needed to go out as a family.

So that's why I stood in the middle of an amusement park, holding desperately onto my own arms like they could get me out of this place.

Sarah and Brendon stood next to me, watching as I took everything in. "I know it's a lot, but we just wanna try a few rides, and then we can head home. Does that sound okay?"

I nodded slowly, eyeing the scene. Kids ran around everywhere, followed by parents who dragged their feet. Teenagers were scattered about, most on their phones, others holding a significant other's hand.

Sarah wrapped an arm around me, "Come on, kiddo. Let's try some rides."

I nodded, is that all I do? Sarah led me and Brendon over to a twirling ride, with a few huge teacups. Granted, these weren't Disney-level rides, but they seemed pretty fun.

The line itself took exactly ten minutes to get through, and we were assigned to a yellow teacup. As soon as the music started, Brendon took the wheel and began spinning us.

I gripped onto the seat, my breath hitching. Brendon looked up at me after a moment, a grin stretching across his face. I couldn't help but let out a short laugh, watching as he whooped in excitement. Sarah laughed too, helping Brendon spin our cup.

By the time we got off, I wanted to ride again.

Brendon and Sarah allowed me a couple of more rides, but by ride number three Sarah looked like she could puke. Brendon held onto her hand, leading us to our next ride. A short rollercoaster stood a short walk away. A lot of couples were in line, a few teenagers. It had a different disposition about it, and it took me a moment to notice I couldn't see any kids in line.

I gulped, grabbing onto Sarah's shirt. She looked at me, eyebrows creased with worry. "You okay, kiddo?"

"How scary is this ride?" I whispered.

"I don't think it's that scary, but it might help you to scream on the ride. You're allowed to scream as loud as you want, and no one will care," Sarah said. She chuckled a bit as she continued, "Most people might scream with you."

I nodded, looking at the ride again. I think it might have been just wood, which made me tremble. As we approached, I kept a tight grip on Sarah's hand.

This would be fine.