Summary

“Dark Carousel” began with a description of the Wild Wheel, a carousel on the end of the Cape Maggie Pier. Paul Whitestone and his girlfriend, Geri Renshaw, enjoyed a night of fun on the pier with Geri’s twin brother, Jake, and his girlfriend, Nancy, who worked there. It was the summer of 1994; they were eighteen years old, in love, and on the verge of change. Jake was on leave from the marines. He punched an off-duty policer officer who disrespected Nancy and was forced into the service as a result.

On Nancy’s work break, the four walked to the Wild Wheel. They noticed the characters’ unsettling appearances, so the operator shared stories about their origins and helped Nancy onto a white horse. Each chose a seat, and the ride spun quickly. After Nancy’s shift, they headed to Paul’s parent...