The afternoon sun beat down on the back of Vivian’s and Nate’s neck, while the air carried the sweet smell of cotton candy and fried dough.

All around them, the amusement park buzzed with life. Rollercoasters roared, sending screams echoing through the air, while the cheerful music from the carousel spun around in bright, tinkling notes.

Nate pointed toward the towering Ferris wheel, its colorful cabins glinting in the sunlight as they slowly rotated against the clear blue ...