【明報專訊】Shelley has no idea how she has gone through her first fire performance. Greene held her so tight in his arms she could hardly breathe. Perhaps she fell unconscious. Still, she felt the heat of the fire and heard the leaves and twigs burning. When it is over, she opens her eyes and finds herself alive!
Greene﹕Oh, the last bit you did was to fly up to the roof of the hall.
Shelley﹕I...I couldn't even move!
Balloon Boy﹕But you've gone through it!
The first trial is satisfactory (令人滿意). Balloon Boy and Shelley have become used to practising and believe they can amuse townspeople.
Pradia has put up posters about the new show with Balloon Boy and Shelley almost everywhere in town. It apparently appeals to quite a crowd.
Greda﹕Don't expect too much. Townspeople are dumb. They pay for their tickets but they don't enjoy the show.
Balloon Boy﹕Why?
Greda﹕I don't know. Perhaps our circus is the only good thing in town. Perhaps they come just because others do. Anyway, we get the money.
Shelley﹕Oh, it shouldn't be like that. I believe we can strike a chord (引起共鳴).
The queue for the first show is long. People look gleeful (歡欣) when they get into the hall. Balloon Boy and Shelley are filled with hope and excitement.
However, when the show begins, Balloon Boy and Shelley suspect the townsfolk may be cursed (被詛咒). They don't seem to realise they will fall asleep as soon as they sit down in the hall.
Shelley﹕That's odd. Is everyone so tired?
Balloon Boy﹕Well, perhaps they are usually busy and have to work very hard...
Shelley﹕I didn't think it would be like that. Look! Some have even fallen down from their seats!
They manage to help a gentleman to get up as he falls.
Balloon Boy﹕Are you all right?
Man﹕Oh yes. Why?
Balloon Boy﹕You've been asleep and fallen from your seat!
Man﹕Did I? I was watching the show. It's so good.
Shelley﹕Do you remember what you've seen?
Man﹕Er....I ...I .... Why do you disturb me? I've paid to come here and I'm watching the show! Leave me alone!
He quickly sits down. However, he falls asleep again as soon as he does so. Balloon Boy and Shelley are shocked. Nevertheless, they hurry to get ready for their shows. As expected, they perform while all the spectators are asleep.
Balloon Boy and Shelley decide to find out what has happened to the townsfolk.
The Circus (4 of 4)
Text: Ashley Ley
Illustration: Iris Tsoi
