The sun was high, casting golden light over the spinning rides and bright stalls of the amusement park. Laughter and chatter filled the air as students scattered throughout the area, running from roller coasters to food stands and arcade games.
Daniel had just finished a dizzying ride with Joy, who clung to his arm, smiling brightly. Jay had insisted on the next one, pulling Daniel along like a prize he didn't want to share. Somehow, Daniel managed to get through both without collapsing barely.
Now, as the lines thinned, a quiet voice called to him.
"Daniel."
He turned to see her.
Crystal Choi.
But not the version everyone admired. It was her first body quiet, withdrawn, wearing oversized glasses and standing slightly hunched.
Daniel blinked, unsure if she was going to say something else, but instead, she just pointed at the nearby ride.
"Want to go on one more?" she asked.
He hesitated, then nodded.
They took the front seat of a smooth, slow-moving ride more scenic than thrilling. As the ride glided upward and the noise of the park faded below, the silence between them thickened.
Then Crystal spoke softly.
"I know you have two bodies."
Daniel froze.
His mouth opened slightly, but no words came.
Crystal didn't look at him. She kept her eyes forward.
"You're too different. The way you act. The way people react to you. I've seen enough to put it together," she said.
Daniel forced a smile. "You're imagining things."
Crystal turned to him then, studying his expression.
"Maybe I am," she said quietly.
The ride began to descend.
When it came to a stop, Daniel stepped off first, trying to say something but Crystal had already walked off, her steps slow but calm.
He watched her go, a sinking feeling in his chest.
Maybe she didn't know the full truth.
But she was getting closer.