Blessed Virgin of the Circus- 12.

Mara hadn’t realized how serious this blackout had been until she saw medics walking towards her. The carnies never called anybody official, so there must’ve been something majorly wrong with her. They began to ask her all the usual things: what the day was, what her name was, what exactly she could recall from her episode. LaShawn attended to make sure he had all the info for his incident report.

She wasn’t entirely sure how to answer as to whether or not she’d experienced an episode like this before. Never to this degree.

 After some further conversation, the medic replied, “You seem like you probably don’t need a ride with us. But I would strongly recommend seeing a doctor as soon as possible. Keep track of what happens. If you know you’re having a trigger, try to be near somebody else. You probably want to avoid operating a vehicle until you get this checked out.”

Mara nodded slowly. She felt completely lucid at this point, not at risk, entirely aware.

**

“So now I have to babysit you,” mumbled Yana.

“No, you don’t. Shut up.”

“LaShawn could figure out a reason to fire me if something happens to you. You’re his best house person lately, and he never liked me.”

“He won’t. You can be drunk and work here. I’ve never seen a fucking carnie get fired.”

“Things have changed with LaShawn. You know that.”

Mara turned to look Yana in the eyes. Yana swore at that moment Mara’s pupils were dark red.