Biting the Hand

September nights in Montana foretell the chill of coming months. For those of the Festivus carnival company, it tells the end of the carnival season. The Festivus family, and yes they do call themselves family, take down their decorations. They disassemble their rides and stands. Some live modestly, their takes from the summer season more than enough to get them through the rest of the year. Others migrate to find temporary labor for the winter months. It seemed no matter what they did they find themselves returning to a circle of trailers every night. Bonding around a communal fire, sharing a dinner made by everyone. This group turned their employment into a way of life. Their co workers a community fiercely loyal to one another. But even the closest family has their oddlng. This family had a fellow by the name of Comet. Now, Comet is not a common name around most parts. But when someone’s father has the name of Cosmic Starfish Esquire, the name Comet sounds downright tame. Comet’s strangely named father was defined by his wanderlust. Even the concept of domestic life with a wife and child Dis not stop him from picking up and leaving one day, never to be seen again. Comet’s mother was just as free spirited and kind of just forgot him in the store one day. Comet found himself in multiple stints in foster homes, until at the age of fifteen, he continued the family tradition of running away. It just seemed purely mathematical that young comet would find himself wrapped up in the Carny life style



That lifestyle was one he embraced for four years. The festivus family accepted the runaway with open arms. Comet soon became a regular to the carnival, dressed in dinosaur suit to conceal his identity from anyone searching for the missing individual In some lights, some might even say that the dinosaur suit became a new identity for him. Only fellow members of the family knew the man beneath the costume. On surface, it would seem that young Comet didn’t have many thoughts of life outside of the community. And if he ever did think of departing there was a young lady that washed them all away. Miri was adopted into the carny family at a very young age. She grew to be a strong woman with striking blue hair, and a talent for fire breathing. When the night came to a close, Miri met with Comet in a secluded spot and sneaked a kiss upon him. Comet pulled away and slightly recoiled.



Comet: Ok I can still taste the fuel in your mouth.



Miri: Oh chill out, it’s not like we are going to make any sparks. We’re way too close to the other trailers for that.



Comet felt the heat rise in his ears. The two have been love birds since the day he showed up, and still melted at her merest suggestion. Still hypnotized by the mischief in her eyes. Comet rolled his eyes and placed an arm around Miri



Comet: So, got any plans for the cold months? I’m sure there are other places you can spit fireballs.



Miri: No fireballs, there is this ranch nearby that needs some things done to help winterize. I get to hang out with horses and they pay a pretty penny, win win.



Miri’s face fell as a memory struck her A recollection of a past conversation.



Miri: You’re still going to that Chicago thing aren’t you?



Comet: And I’m still hoping you’ll come with me.



Miri sighed.



Miri: I cant leave them, Comet. They need me.



Comet: They have been a thing for like five generations, I think they’ll manage without you.



Miri; I love you, Comet. But this isn’t even a choice, ok? If you are going, go.



Comet was taken aback by the final statement. Miri’s tone enunciating the finality of it, that there was no room for argument.



Comet: Are you saying?



Miri: I ain’t going to stop from pursuing what you wanna pursue. But you ain't going to drag me along, and I ain’t going to wait for you either.



Comet: Are you breaking up with me?



Miri: That’s up to you.



Comet found himself in a whirlwind of thought. At, first anger at the ultimatum presented before him, regret that he was so willing to place such an ultimatum on her. Did chasing this career in wrestling mean that much to him? Is he willing to give up Miri? Would he stagnate if he stayed with the carny’s? The people that took him in, hid him from those looking for him.



Comet: I...I need to think



Miri: Please do. More than ya have.



Comet departed, at first aimless in his walk. He found himself at the trailer of Dimitri. The owner of the company, the patriarch of the family. Comet resigned himself and entered the trailer, he had yet to pick up his pay for the week. Maybe a night out on the town will help him think clearer. Dimitri greeted Comet boisterously.



Dimitri: My boy! Come in Come in! Whiskey? I wont tell!



Comet: Nah, think I’m just gonna get my pay. Maybe see what the townies are doing.



Dimitri: Don’t lie to me! You are taking my niece out aren’t you? You sly dog!



Comet: Yeah, sure.



Comet waited for the catch. Dimitri took on the friendly uncle persona when he was up to something. Something that someone picked up on quickly after spending time with the man. Dimitri reached into the cash box and handed Comet his cut. The young man counted it out, his face fell. The cash was light. About four hundred dollars light.



Comet: What’s going on?



Dimitri: You have been with us long enough that you can start chipping in. I took the back pay. For the four years you’ve been with us. I have been very lenient my boy. I knew your no good father, I took pity on you. But you are man. And man contributes to his family. You are part of the family now, boy.



Comet: You could have mentioned that sooner.



Dimitri: I could have. But I mention it now. Don’t be mad. Get that Dino suit steam cleaned. Keep the change, ya?



Dimitri tossed in another twenty dollar bill. The generpusity lost on Comet. No, it in fact seemed insulting. The portly patriarch knocked back another whiskey before rising to use the restroom in his trailer. Most folks wouldn’t leave a box of cash unattended infront of a disgruntled employee. Dimitri was a different man. For decades, he flexed his will over his employees, he knew no one would even dare. They knew the consequences. Comet did not. The next thing, he knew, he had the cash box in hand and he was sprinting to his trailer. In his rashness, he threw his belonging into a laundry sack. Even that damned Dinosaur suit to add insult to injury. He headed toward the town but his path was blocked by Miri. A look of disappointment on her face



Miri: You made your choice, huh?



Comet: I guess so.



Miri: Whatever you did, put it back. Give it to me and go, there won’t be any trouble.



Comet sighed and walked past Miri. She made no further effort to stop him.



Miri: I tried, Comet. But you asked for what’s coming.



Miri headed back to the camp. Wiping her eyes from the hint of tears arising. It was too late to cry for this. By the time Dimitri would find out what happened, Comet would be on the first Greyhound out of town. Miri only hoped that it would be enough of a head start.



The camp lit up with activity once the crime was discovered. Raised voices, everyone knew the culprit. Dimitri looked to Miri as she arrived in the gathering. His gaze withering.



Dimitri: Girl, I know you have a soft spot for the boy. But he stole from us, and we must have our justice. I hope you know what is wise.



Miri hung her head. Knowing her next words would damn Comet.



Miri: He’s going to Chicago...