Cybernetic Heartstrings

C.H. TWO: RED

BANG!

A deafening, explosive sound reverberated through the chaos. In an instant, panic erupted as people scrambled for safety, and amidst the turmoil, someone collapsed behind them, blood pooling on the ground.

Willow clutched the two cotton candies in her trembling hands, stunned by what she had just heard.

Is that a gun? She asked herself.

At that moment, only one thought consumed her mind: Zachary. Her heart raced as she fought through the fear of finding her husband. In the midst of the chaos, all she wanted was to locate Zach and escape to a place where they could be safe together.

“Zach! Where are you, my love?!” she cried, her voice straining to rise above the clamor. She desperately scanned the faces around her, searching for his familiar face. And then, her breath caught in her throat as she spotted a familiar figure sprawled on the ground not far away.

That is the spot where she left him.

The figure was drenched in red, lying face down. Willow’s heart sank, and the cotton candies slipped from her hands, falling to the ground.

“No, it can’t be you,” she whispered, her voice trembling as she stepped closer. Tears streamed down her cheeks as she battled the thoughts creeping into her mind. “Z-zach, it’s not you… right?” she cried, her voice rising in desperation.

She waited for a response, but the body lay completely still, not moving at all.

She inhaled deeply, her chest tight, and took another hesitant step until she was beside the body. She looked down, her heart pounding, struggling to comprehend the sight before her. The clothes, the shoes, the stuffed animal beside him… every detail screamed of reality, and yet her mind refused to accept it.

Then her gaze fell to the left hand—there it was, their wedding ring shining through the blood. She felt everything inside her break. She couldn’t bring herself to turn the body over; she couldn’t face the truth of his face.

“ZACHARY!”

—-

A few hours before the tragic incident…

Willow gripped the steering wheel, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty about how to pull off the surprise she and Cindy had discussed yesterday. She was a bit nervous, even though the special moment was still hours away. The hum of the car engine filled the silence as they neared their destination.

“Where are we really going, Willow?” Zachary asked from the passenger seat, a playful smirk on his face. “Are you trying to outdo me? Can’t handle being out-surprised?”

She shot him a quick glance, feigning indignation. “No, I just want our first wedding anniversary to be unforgettable.”

“So do I!” he replied with a grin. “Don’t think I didn’t plan something too. I’ve got my own tricks up my sleeve.”

As Willow turned into the parking lot and brought the car to a stop, Zachary's eyes widened in recognition. “Wait... this place...”

Willow smiled, her nerves giving way to nostalgia. They had arrived at the amusement park where they had first met before their relationship blossomed into something deeper.

He stared at the entrance in awe. “You brought me here? This is where it all started.”

She nodded, her heart fluttering as they stepped out of the car. “I thought it’d be the perfect place to celebrate our first anniversary since this is where it all began.”

Hand in hand, they walked toward the entrance, and memories flooded back like a rush of wind. The sound of laughter and the smell of cotton candy brought to mind that fateful day when they first met.

“Do you remember how we met?” Willow asked, her eyes sparkling with nostalgia.

Zachary chuckled, shaking his head. “How could I forget? I was terrified of that Ferris wheel! If it weren't for a dare, I never would have gotten on it.”

Willow laughed, recalling the sight of him gripping the safety bar, his knuckles white. “You looked like you were about to jump out!”

“I thought about it,” he admitted with a playful grin. “But then you decided to join me in the cab. I still can’t believe you did that.”

“I couldn’t let you suffer alone!” she said, nudging him playfully. “You looked like you needed a friend. Plus, someone had to make sure you didn’t pass out!”

“Honestly, I started to admire you at that moment,” he replied, his voice warm with nostalgia. “You didn’t even know me but still decided to help me cope. You were so brave, Willow.”

She waved her hand dismissively, a teasing smile playing on her lips. “Nah, you were just too afraid to face the heights alone. Besides, someone had to keep you company up there, and no one else seemed likely to bother, even your friends, so I volunteered!”

He raised an eyebrow, a glimmer of challenge dancing in his eyes. “Aha, why don’t we head back to that Ferris wheel and see just how brave you really are?”

Willow's heart raced at the suggestion, a thrilling mix of excitement and trepidation bubbling inside her. “You mean now?” she asked, hesitating as the idea settled in.

“Why not? Let’s relive our first adventure together,” Zachary said, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Besides, I think I’ve mostly conquered my fear of heights.”

Willow felt a flutter of nerves as she remembered the surprise she and Cindy had planned for that very Ferris wheel. She needed to ensure this ride would be perfect—after all, it was meant to be the grand finale of their day.

Glancing up at the towering ride, Willow realized she had to create a distraction; they couldn’t board just yet. “How about we save that for later? Let’s try the roller coaster first!”

Zachary’s eyes widened in shock. “The roller coaster? Now you’re challenging me”

With a laugh, Willow took his hand, leading him through the throngs of laughter and chatter that filled the amusement park. The air was alive with the scent of popcorn and the sounds of joyous screams from nearby rides.

As they neared the entrance of the roller coaster, time seemed to blur around them, the world fading away in a whirlwind of anticipation. Climbing into their seats, their hearts raced as the coaster creaked and rattled to life, the thrill electrifying the air. Willow couldn’t help but let out a scream of delight as they shot skyward, the wind whipping through her hair like a wild dance.

Meanwhile, Zach clutched the safety bar, doing his utmost to keep his composure, battling the rising urge to faint as they ascended higher and higher. After disembarking, they stumbled out, breathless and laughing, exhilaration buzzing between them. “That was fun!” Zachary exclaimed, his face still flushed with adrenaline.

“Oh really? Then why did you look so pale just a second ago?” Willow teased, giving him a playful nudge.

“Pale? Me?” he scoffed, straightening up. “Nah, that was pure excitement! I’m a brave man now, can’t you tell?”

“Oh, really?” she laughed, raising an eyebrow. “You’re looking more attractive with all this newfound bravery.”

“Only when I’m with you!” he shot back, his eyes gleaming with affection.

They wandered from ride to ride, each moment slipping by faster than the last. They tried games, won ridiculous stuffed animals like panda and koala, and indulged in funnel cakes that dusted their fingers with powdered sugar. Each shared glance and burst of laughter deepened their connection, making the world outside the park feel distant and unimportant.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a warm golden glow over everything, Willow felt a twinge of longing. Their day together was flying by, but she was determined to savor every second.

“Let’s go to the Ferris wheel now,” she suggested, her heart racing with anticipation. “The sunset is beautiful from up there, but I’d like to grab some cotton candy first.” Her voice was a touch too bright as she feigned enthusiasm.

Zachary’s eyes lit up at the mention of one of his favorite treats. “Cotton candy? I thought you didn’t like it,” he said, a hint of confusion in his tone.

Willow smiled, enjoying his enthusiasm. “But you love it! So just stay right here and take these stuffed toys for a moment. I’ll grab you some cotton candy, then we can tackle that Ferris wheel together!” This was the moment she had been waiting for, but she needed to prepare without him noticing.

“I want to come with you,” he insisted, stepping closer, his brow furrowing with a mix of concern and attachment.

“Just stay right here; it’ll be quick, okay?” Willow urged, her voice light but firm. Zachary couldn’t accompany her, or the surprise would be ruined!

“But–” he started, his voice trailing off as he searched her eyes for reassurance.

“No buts, my love. I promise I’ll be quick,” she insisted, reaching out to touch his arm gently, trying to ease the worry that flickered across his face.

“Okay, but… just don’t take too long,” he said, his gaze lingering on her, a hint of vulnerability peeking through his playful demeanor. “I love you.”

“I love you too,” she replied, her heart swelling at his words.

As she dashed away, her mind raced with plans. She could already envision the look on Zachary's face when he saw her dressed up for the special moment. It was going to be perfect.

She quickly changed into the outfit concealed beneath her current clothes, her pulse quickening with excitement.

A twinge of shyness washed over Willow as she caught her reflection; the dress was shorter than she’d expected, and her cleavage showed more than she’d anticipated. She was wearing a sexy maid outfit—a look she could hardly believe she’d dared to put on, especially at an amusement park. Yet, she took a steadying breath, summoning her courage. This was for her husband, after all, and she couldn’t wait to see his reaction.

She gathered up everything before she went outside the restroom. After that, she set off to find the cotton candy stand, eager to pick out the flavor he loved most.

But just as she felt a wave of anticipation wash over her…

BANG!

A deafening, explosive sound reverberated through the park, cutting through the joyful atmosphere and sending a shockwave of confusion rippling through the crowd.