It begins with the giddy faces of anticipant riders. Slowly they enter their carts, and fasten themselves in for one last ride. Those surrounding them are comrades they’ve been riding with since kindergarten. Everyone is relaxed, excited at what the tracks ahead of them hold in store. But as the carts begin to inch forward, an ache starts to grow at the bottom of each and every belly aboard. Gaining speed on the upward ascent, the ache in each belly morphs into full blown terror, and panic sets in. What if the breaks fail and the carts soar off the track? What if they get stuck and require assistance to make it to the end? What if someone has second thoughts? Can they turn back once the row of carts peak and take motion? Reassurances exchanged between friends remind them all of the pride they will boast amongst completion of this terrifying ride. The thrill takes over all on-board, though some must maintain a firm grip on the safety bars. Everybody puts on their best smile as they swoop down past the cameras, and a sense of finality surges through the riders. Together, they experienced the mass hysteria when beginning the climb, the impending doom on their descent, and the widespread relief when it was all over. Knowing it was the last ride they would take with one another was bittersweet. The many roller coasters these people have ridden together will remain fond in their memories. In the future, a few riders may go to the same theme parks together, but for many this is it. And as each person disembarks, it dawns on them that there will always be a bigger coaster, awaiting them to climb aboard.
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