Nobody knew how the circus got there. It's as if, by some supernatural or magical reason, it just appeared there out of thin air. The place which was once only just a desolate patch of tall grass and land is now the center of fun and whimsy for the town. And, much like how it entered the lives of the citizens of the town, it vanished just as quickly.
The arrival of the circus was like any other normal Friday evening. The men were returning to their homes after a long day in the field or working in the factory near the town while their wives were already making their suppers for the night. Some of their children were either still outside playing in the town square or were inside studying and doing their homework. It was a peaceful Friday night. The moon was illuminating the town below and the stars shone their ever eternal glow from their place in space billions of miles away.
Then, they heard music and saw lights from the distance. It was coming from a part beyond the town's walls where no one from the town ever dared to visit and explored. And their hearts were filled with fear. They all froze as they heard the haunting music and the terrifying lights that were all too foreign for them. The men stopped walking, the women stopped cooking, the children stopped playing and studying. All of the town's inhabitants' attention and gazes were directed only towards that small spot yonder. Nobody knew what to do. Nobody was brave enough to walk out of the town and inspect what was going on. They all only did a few things: closed up their shops, went to their homes, locked their doors and windows, and prayed to whatever god they believed in for the music and the lights stopped.
The music and the lights didn't stopped for them. The torment continued on until the break of dawn the following morning. The people were still too afraid even after the music and the lights have left them all to go on with their lives. They did not trust the day for they all knew that these monstrosities will return for the night, and it did. Just as soon as they all heard the very first note of the horrific tunes, they all scurried like terrified mice and returned home. The streets were already dead before it was even 8:00.
This terror continued on for months before a local man, whose name was lost in history, decided to finally visit the dreaded place. His family protested. "What if something bad happens to you? How are we going to survive?" his wife asked.
"I'll be fine. If I do not return tonight, pack up your clothes and go to my brother's house in the next town tomorrow morning," he said. His wife reluctantly let him be. Armed with only a dagger, he went boldly to the town's gate. All that the townsfolk can do is to wait for their sacrificial lamb. He took a deep breath before taking his first step outside of the town to the place.
He was gone for hours before he returned just before the clock stuck midnight. When they saw him walking back towards the town, the town's elder and a few members of the council ran towards him to check if he is alright.
"Friends, brothers," he said. "There is nothing to be afraid. I have seen that place that has been torturing this town for months. Come! I will show you." Almost all of the people followed him, including his family.
They were shocked at the sight that they saw. There were colossal tents and wide open spaces within the complex. Streamers and banners ran across the roofs. Colors of red, orange, and white, bright yellow lights, enchanting music, and whimsy greeted them all. Peculiar and bizarre spectacles were there. Oddities such as the bearded lady, the strong man, and the child with horns were displayed. Jugglers, clowns, and performers were there to entertain them all. And then, at last, a man with a black top had and a red coat greeted them all.
"Step right up, folks and welcome to The Imaginarium Circus of Mr. Mortimer Morrigan where you can see exotic performances and biological oddities. We have all been waiting for you to visit this amazing place of whimsy and wonder and we are glad to finally meet you all. So please, step in and enjoy the show!" They no choice but to enter the circus.
The ringmaster led them all to the main tent where he showed them to their seats. The man who boldly went to the circus and his family were given a spot in the front seats. As soon as everybody was settled in, the yellow lights went off and the spotlight focused its light on the center of the pit where the ringmaster stood.
"Welcome to The Imaginarium Circus," he said before the show finally started. The music played, the fireworks were lit, and the performers went out and gave their best to entertain. The ringmaster danced to the beat of the music, the jugglers juggled rings of fire, the lion roared inside its cage, acrobats flew in the air gracefully, the elephant walked around balancing a ball on its trunk, and the clowns tried to do their comedic act. All of the guests, young and old, male and female, were amazed at the spectacle that showcased before them. The show ended with all of the performers bowing their heads to thank the audience, just as soon as the morning sun crept in. And then everything was gone.
In a flash, they found themselves standing in the middle of the field. The tents, the biological oddities, the lights, the banners and streamers, even Mr. Mortimer Morrigan, the ringmaster himself, was nowhere to be found. The tall grass and the earth were back yet the townsfolk knew that their experience were real. It's now forever embedded within their hearts and memories. After realizing this, one by one, they left and went on with their lives.
The man who first came to the circus was the last one standing in the field after everyone had left. Just before he walked back to his old life, he found a piece of paper with a message for him alone.
Thank you for believing in us. From The Imaginarium Circus, we all thank you.
It was signed by M.M.