Carousel Nightmare

by Max Jason Peterson

About the Author: Max Jason Peterson holds a Master’s in English literature. This award-winning author has published in Analog (forthcoming), Virginia Is for Mysteries, Vol. 3: A State of Murder (forthcoming), Strange Horizons, Flash Fiction Online, PodCastle, Seascape:The Best New England Crime Stories 2019, and A Study in Lavender: Queering Sherlock Holmes, among others. https://maxjasonpeterson.wordpress.com/

Excerpt

Orson helped his mother into the swan carriage. This October, the historic Hampton Carousel featured Haunted Horse Rides. The merry-go-round sported skeletons and spooks riding horses and carriages. Cobwebs and black streamers festooned the carousel poles. Once the carousel got going, one might find the Headless Horseman prancing up behind.

“How’s this, Mother?”

Mrs. Erstwell cackled, patting the skeleton riding to her right. She placed its grisly hand on her knee. “Like I’m being courted by Grim Death!”

She smoothed the worn velvet cushion in invitation. Orson swung into the seat, only to jump right up again. His mother guffawed and lifted a bony foot.

Orson chuckled and sat gingerly, his back tingling. “It’s not every day I get goosed by a skeleton.”

“Well, then, today’s your lucky day, boy!”

“All tucked in, Mother?” He smoothed the embroidered Halloween blanket around her.

“Stop fussing.” She slapped his hands lightly, the way his orange tabby swatted while playing.

“Mother, it’s getting chilly.”

Mrs. Erstwell called gaily to the attendant, “Tell this young man to keep his hands to himself!”

“Aw, Mother,” he said. Even so, at fifty years old, it was nice to hear someone call him young.

Orson settled uncomfortably, stretching an arm along the seatback. He was a big man, and he didn’t want to crush his increasingly tiny mother.

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