Under the Big Top

“Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Mr Cifer’s Black Top Circus Spectacular!” the Ringmaster’s voice roared across the small arena. “I am your host, the one and only, Mr Cifer!” His whip cracked and boomed, making Janet jump in her seat. “Tonight, we have a tremendous show for you all. There will be lights!”
Fire jetted across the outskirts of the circular stage, lighting up the enormous tent in an orange glow before quickly plunging everyone into darkness again. A single spotlight shone on Mr Cifer. His blood-red cape billowed around him. His black eyes scanned the circus goers and he grinned with glee.
“There will be sound!”
Cannons boomed and music played. The crowd gasped and applauded excitedly, anticipating what was in store.
Janet sank back into her seat, her heart racing.
“I shouldn’t be here,” she whispered, looking sideways at Mum and Paul. They were too busy clapping and cheering with the crowd. Janet looked back to the Ringmaster.
“There will be acts that will amaze!” he bellowed, drawing back a black curtain in the middle of the arena.
Clowns cartwheeled towards the audience. Trapeze artists flew across the ceiling from ropes and swings. Cannons boomed again, sending coloured streamers over the spectators like a falling rainbow.
Paul reached up excitedly for a yellow streamer, while Janet pressed her back further against her seat, lifting her feet off the ground as a blue streamer floated towards her.
Paul grabbed his streamer with triumph. His eyes bulged in their sockets and his mouth twisted in pain. His agonising howl was drowned out by the sounds of other screams and cries of horror ...