I position myself for the toss and target the centre, propelling the ball with maximum force. We observe the ball impact the centre of the tower, causing all six bottles to topple into the pit. The operator presents me with the Giant Octopus, and I turn to see Bray and Ricky applauding. Bray approaches me as I kneel to display it, gently caressing the giant octopus’s head with his small fingers.
“May I have it?” he enquires timidly, his huge eyes sparkling at me.
A broad smile spreads across his face as I agree, prompting the little child to leap into my arms and kiss me on the cheek.
He finds it challenging to embrace the oversized octopus, the plush toy nearly double his dimensions.
“Thank you, Dad!” he exclaims, pulling the toy towards his mother.
My heart races when he utters the word, as all my thoughts dissolve to concentrate on the young lad who has just designated me as his father.
Jimmy shouts in approval, appreciating the title for himself. We had previously asserted Bray as mine throughout the confrontation with the Alphas, but it is distinct to realise that Bray reciprocates those feelings. I desire to hear him articulate it again, however I glance at Ricky apprehensively, aware that Bray referring to me as Dad could distress her.
A flicker occurs in her eyes, although it vanishes before I can interpret her emotions.
“Look, Mother!” Bray exclaims, thrusting the octopus towards Ricky. “Observe what Jadi gifted me!”
“Quite delightful,” she smiles at him, grasping his hand. “Shall we procure some ice cream?”
The young boy nods, presenting his stuffed toy to his mother in order to bypass the booth directly opposite the game booth. Ricky glances at me, her smile somewhat strained as she grasps my hand and draws me closer. She rises onto her toes and kisses me on the cheek, causing my heart to feel as if it might explode from my chest.
“I appreciate your calm response to Bray’s remarks,” she murmurs. “I will address the issue with him this evening to ensure it does not recur.”
I shake my head at her, desiring to articulate how profoundly it affects me that he perceives me in that manner, yet only a faint murmur escapes my lips. I exhale in despair, but she appears oblivious, already guiding me towards the booth designated Dippin’ Dots.
“Which flavour do you prefer?” she enquires, gesturing towards the small menu displayed on the glass window of the booth.
I had never experienced Dippin’ Dots, so I gaze at the array of vibrant, dot-shaped ice cream flavours, uncertain of which to choose.
“I recommend Cookies and Cream,” Ricky asserts. “You cannot err with Oreos.”
Years have elapsed since I last consumed Oreos, the most recent occasion being when my mother clandestinely brought some to my room to share on my sixth birthday. Cookies and pastries were infrequently accessible to us at the Hive. If, by chance, a pack of Oreos surfaced in the pantry, they vanished before Melina and I could procure any.
I acknowledge her idea with a nod, and she presents me with a cup filled with black and white dots accompanied by crushed cookie fragments. Bray choose Rainbow dots, while Ricky opts for Mint and chip. We proceed to a nearby table with our sweets, and Ricky observes me intently as I take my initial mouthful.
The small morsels dissolve almost instantaneously in my mouth, imparting an Oreo flavour on my tongue that nearly evokes tears. I quickly consume another spoonful, emitting a soft moan as I relish the sweetness.
“Do you appreciate it?” she enquires, exhaling with satisfaction upon my affirmative nod.
“May I sample yours?” Bray enquires, gesturing towards my cup of dots with his spoon.
“Bray, you possess yours,” Ricky admonishes. “Refrain from being avaricious.”
Prior to Bray’s apology, I immerse my spoon into my dots and extend it towards Bray. He parts his lips, and I deposit the dots, with Bray savouring the remnants afterward.
“Delicious,” he hums. “These are excellent. It’s my turn,” he grins, gathering a few dots onto his spoon for me to sample.
I tilt my head slightly to facilitate his placement of the dots into my mouth, a surge of fruity flavour erupting on my palate. Ricky captures an image of Bray feeding me the dots, a subtle smile gracing her lips as she preserves the moment.
Upon concluding our refreshments, I escort Bray to the loo for a toilet break and to cleanse his sticky hands. After grooming, we proceed to enjoy several additional rides. I really like the flying swing set, as the sensation of the wind in my hair is exhilarating.
As we prepare to conclude our day, I notice a huge black box marked Photoboth, pausing to gaze at it.
