A short story for today�s post.

Ever noticed how those kids� rides that are supposed to look like smiley dolphins
or whatever look dead creepy when there�s no kids around? Or even when there are,
come to think of it. Big painted eyes stare mockingly at you and the wide fixed
grin stretches from one side to the other � it�s like it knows something about you
that you don�t, and it�s trouble.

There was one of these at the pier, outside a seedy amusement arcade. I say arcade,
but we�re talking a few machines, a change kiosk and a vending machine. The carpet
was big red and yellow flowers and ferns, like something from an old lady�s living
room. Smelled of wee too. I didn�t stay in there more than a minute. At least out
on the pier the smell of wee was mixed in with the smell of salty sand and
seawater.