The Sad Clown’s Warning

They say clowns are the scariest things in the dark, but what if the clown isn't the

monster? What if he's protecting you from something worse? This happened at

a carnival that only opens after midnight. The air at the Midnight Mirage Carnival

smelled like popcorn, diesel, and rotten cotton candy. Neon lights flickered

as I walked in alone. I had nothing better to do, and the flyer said the carnival was

open only from dusk till dawn. The crowd was small. Most people looked tired,

like they were trying to escape their own lives. That's when I saw him.

A clown stood near a games stall, completely still. His suit was dark purple and black,