Pleasure Island was an island paradise that promised everything. Boys and girls said it to be a place without rules or adults telling you what not to do. There was no work or school, only fun and pleasure. You could do whatever you wanted, even things adults forbade like drinking beer or smoking cigars. The best part was that it was all free.
It felt like a dream come true.
12-year-old Emily was among the many boys and girls on the ferry to the island.
Most of them spoke of the things they planned on doing on the island.
The younger kids spoke of indulging in junk food, going on rides and playing games. It was innocent stuff. Their enthusiasm seemed odd until Emily remembered that most of them likely never got to do these things and had to be good, perfect little kids all of the time. The chance to let go and spend even just one night being out of control must have been impossible to resist.
Emily had been more than happy to say accept the offer. Her family didn't have much money and the chance to do the things that she assumed only the richest of the rich kids could do was too impossible to resist.
The older boys and girls spoke of more adult fun such as smoking cigars, drinking beer and gambling. Some of the older girls spoke in hushed tones. Whatever they spoke of seemed to be a lot of fun.
The sights that greeted Emily upon arriving at the island were unlike anything she’d ever seen. There were rides everywhere. The scent of popcorn, cotton candy and other treats filled the air, giving off an almost intoxicating aroma.
A voice chanted about how everything was free and encouraged the boys and girls to indulge.
Emily didn't understand how anyone could afford to build all of this or how much of it was even possible. She worried that it was all too good to be true.
Seeing so many happy kids running off the ferry screaming with joy and anticipation allayed Emily's fears. The island looked to be a place of joy, not pain. How could a place that seemed so happy have anything but good intentions?
For all she knew she may never again get an opportunity like this. She was not about to let doubt hold her back.
She ran onto the island with all of the other girls. This was going to be a night to remember!