Matthew Baran

One year in the summer when I was younger, maybe like seven years ago, my grandpa invited my brother and I to go to an amusement park for the day. I dreaded going because I hate amusement parks, I have never had a good experience. Not only at the amusement parks, but even the thought of the never-ending car rides to get to them made me nauseated. But I had to go, my parents would make me go and my older brother who wanted to go would not let me ruin his chance of going just because I did not want to. While I was there, the scent of sugar and fried food combined with the loud noise of people screaming made my stomach churn. I finally reached my limit when I went on some spinning ride with my younger cousin. In the middle of the ride was this wheel that he kept spinning, making the ride go faster and faster. Once I got off the ride, I felt so sick. I tried to keep up with my grandpa who was leading the group, but I got lost in the sea of people. The flashing lights and blaring music only added to my discomfort. I found a rock to sit down on, feeling like I was going to pass out, I waited. Eventually, they noticed, and turned around to find me. When they found me, my grandpa was silent. He continued to keep his usual stoic look. Back then I think I was upset about it, but now I find his ability to stay calm and collected in a difficult situation commendable. I guess I could say I learned that from him.