Toll

“Ticket, please.”

A girl fumbles around her pockets for a few seconds before looking at ticketmaster with guilt-full eyes; she didn’t have one. She had originally told her friend she didn’t want to go to the fair. It was “silly and childish” to her. Her other friends told her it would be a waste of time. But, the way people looked as they entered intrigued the girl. Those entering appeared excited and longed to go inside. Everyone had received a personalized ticket, but her friends’ comments convinced her to throw it in the trash along with their own. “Never mind. The man ahead paid for your ticket.” She lifted her head confused by what the ticket man had just said. He opened the gates, and she saw a wondrous sight.  There, He said, “Welcome.”