Hayley and I head to the monorail first. My heart pounds in rhythm with the beat of my footsteps, and I want nothing more than to turn back around. But this time, I don't hate myself for it.

For the past few days, I have resented myself for feeling like this, but only now that I stare at the monorail sign do I realize it's not wrong to not want to go back; what would be wrong is if I let my fear stop me from doing what is right.

It's not long before the monorail pulls into the station. We climb into a carriage and look out the window, falling into an uncomfortable silence.

"Thank you," I say at last, fiddling with my cap, "for helping us."

Hayley smiles sheepishly. "I wasn't going to," she admits. "I was afraid Ben and I would get into trouble if we got caught."

This surprises me, so I say, "What made you change your mind?"

She looks at her hands and I follow her gaze, taking in her long, red nails. "Reece and Ben are like brothers," she says with the smallest shrug. "I always knew Ben would end up helping, and I guess I wouldn't be able to live with myself if I didn't at least try to do the right thing, even if it terrified me."

I nod, relieved I'm not the only one worried about doing what's right. "Well, thank you. I appreciate it."

The monorail pulls into the station, and we climb off, making our way down the ramp and towards the Marine World entrance. The brick pathway is lined with perfectly round hedges, and a pair of small blossom trees bursting with flowers hang low over the walkway. Near the front gates, two large mermaid statues stand either side of the barriers, drawing my eyes up toward the Marine World sign.

I clutch my ticket tightly, praying the employees either side of the barrier aren't going to notice my trembling fingers. The woman smiles kindly before telling me to scan my ticket. I do as I'm told, relieved when the barrier opens up and she finally lets me past.

The entrance opens up to a wide, sprawling street, with colorful cafes lining the sides. It looks bigger than I remember, the buildings all painted in pale pastel colors. Through the hustle and bustle, numerous vendors roam the streets holding gigantic balloons. Something sweet suddenly tickles my nostrils, and I spot the old-fashioned bakery selling freshly baked cakes.

"Come on," Hayley says, linking my arm. "Time to act as guests."

We join the group of people gathered by the map, patiently awaiting our turn. I take the opportunity to scan the cafes, my mouth watering at the cakes and treats stacked high in the store windows. When it is our turn, Hayley steps forward and beckons me over.

I watch her for a moment as she zooms in on the park, taking in her small, flat nose and bow-shaped lips. It seems strange that someone as nice as Hayley could end up with someone like Ben. But then again, what do I really know about Ben? I've only seen the side of him that wants to keep his best friend safe; a side that brings out the worst in all of us.

"If we want to look normal, we should start hitting some of the rides," Hayley says, looking at me expectantly. "What do you want to go on first? I don't really feel like waiting in a massive line, so maybe we should go on one of the more boring attractions."

I shrug, scanning the droves of guests already making their way down the street. Some taper off into stores while the rest make a beeline for the rides, desperate to get in line first.

It feels strange being on this side of the park. On this side I'm free to do whatever I please, free to go wherever I want, and it is somewhat liberating to know Marine World doesn't have the slightest idea. At least, not yet.

"Let's head toward Barnacle Bay," Hayley decides, but before we set off, someone taps me on the shoulder.

I spin on my heel, coming face to face with a tall, thin man holding a shiny black camera. "How about I take a picture of you two lovely ladies?" he asks.

Although it's still early and relatively cloudy, his forehead is coated with a thin layer of sweat.

"No, thank you," Hayley says, taking my hand before pulling me down the street. "I hate those guys."

I continue to drink it all in; the bright, vibrant plants sprouting from every corner, the smiling kids as they stand in line. It is like my eyes and mind are somehow disjointed, with my eyes believing nothing could be more beautiful, and my mind able to see through to the ugliness within.

As we walk, five smiling band members dressed in spotless red uniforms suddenly emerge from an alleyway, holding their instruments at the perfect angle. The shapely twirlers catch their batons at the same time, their routine as synchronized as my own once was. I listen intently with a pang in my chest; the music reminds me of Alison.

Hayley takes my hand again and we weave in and out of guests. We stand in line for a ride called Reeftastic: a slow, educational boat ride that goes through various enclosures, educating kids on protecting the reef.

"You know, I used to love coming here as a kid," Hayley says. "They didn't have genetically-engineered humans as mermaids back then, just regular women who walked around the park for a bit in a costume, but I loved it all the same. I never thought–I just can't believe this is the same place I grew up loving. I can't believe the mermaids here are kept against their will."

I think about telling her that's not all Marine World is up to, but I'd rather not scare her with the horrors of missing girls. "They're good at tricking people."

Time seems to crawl as we continue to wait. I can't help but picture Asia and Jewel swimming around in this heat. It is somewhat more tolerable out here with the fans, but the mermaid enclosure is open and sparse, the sun given free rein to burn down relentlessly.

Finally, we find ourselves at the front of the line. I peer down the dark, narrow tunnel as we wait for a canoe. I don't much feel like being somewhere enclosed, but acting like a guest is paramount to our plan.

As if able to sense my uneasiness, Hayley takes my hand in hers, giving it a squeeze. It reminds me of the way Muriel used to hold my hand whenever I'd get scared. I squeeze hers right back, relieved when a boat finally emerges from the dark.

We climb into the boat with the help from the attendant. I feel positively nauseous as the boat turns a corner, and I squeeze Hayley tighter.

A few seconds pass before the darkness transforms to a deep blue glow. The boat is surrounded by floor to ceiling windows, encased with bright blue water. Schools of colorful fish swim past, swerving in and out of the coral.

A voice rings out, talking about the ocean as I study the props lining the decking beside us. Boat sails and sea shells are scattered in the sand, adding to the facade. That's what all of this is, after all: a great big facade.

Once the ride is over, Hayley helps to lift me from my seat and back onto solid ground again. "Boring, huh?" she says with a smile. "I always hated that ride as a kid."

I give her a tight smile as we head back onto Merland Street. A group of guests walk past us with dripping mermaid ice creams, gushing about the aquarium.

"It feels wrong," I say, turning to Hayley. "We should be doing something to help Asia and Jewel, not going on rides."

"There's nothing we can do until the park closes," Hayley reminds me. "We just need to continue to act as guests. It's okay to enjoy yourself, you know."

"Yeah, you're right," I say, but she's wrong. If I enjoy myself, this place, then I am putting myself before those locked behind the glass. I am saying this world is perfectly fine, and the freedom of those here doesn't matter to me.

No, I will never enjoy myself here.