Phantom Fears by Erin Price

Aspiring Writers Magazine 2007 Autumn Edition

Personal Essay by Erin Price

Phantom Fears

       There it was. The enormous green monster soared over Pittsburgh ’s
breathtaking skyscrapers. It seemed to tower above the weightless, gray
cotton clouds that wisped around the glowing sun. Whipping around timelessly
with cool, summer breezes, the fiend zipped by with an intense swiftness.
Small rumbles of thunder coincided with the roars of the fearless beast,
amplifying its level of intensity and intimidation.

       It was my second time visiting Kennywood, a theme-park filled with joy
and laughter. One wouldn’t expect fear to lurk in such a place, but my pulse
quickened at the sight of it; Phantom’s Revenge. Those who live in Pittsburgh
recognize its name, for it is the biggest roller coaster in Kennywood. My
friends were with me on a class field trip for all of the eighth graders. Even
having their support, I still feared that I was going to have to ride the
frightening roller coaster sooner or later.

       This feeling had always consumed me during new experiences. It felt like
the time I moved from New Jersey to Pennsylvania . Everyone welcomed my
family and me, but I still felt nervous and timid because I didn’t know what to
expect. Sometimes I think others feel the same way, too.

       That day, many thoughts ran through my head as I walked passed the
park entrance. Each step I took towards the park added more undesired fear
and anxiety. As I continued to follow my sociable friends, I remained silent.
Delicate drops of rain slowly splashed my forehead as flashes of lightning
struck the sable sky. My body became tenser as I listened to the violent storm’
s booms. Could this be a bad sign? I could see the treacherous monster
growing as I neared it. I noticed people were leaving the queue line because of
the pouring rain and severe storm. Without hesitating, my friends dashed
toward the queue line and hiked up the ramp. I followed, wondering if the ride
would even be open much longer.

       The line grew smaller as became drenched. One of the staff members
announced that the ride would be closed until the storm calms. I felt a little
better, but I knew that the storm wouldn’t last and I’d have to ride it soon. My
friends still stood in the line, determined to ride it. As fast as the ride shut
down, it opened up again, and I came to realize that we were the only people in
line.

       At this point, I knew that I was not the only person who had felt this much
fear. A few years ago, there was a new girl in school who looked confident, but
easily hid her fear. During homeroom, she sat in the corner and remained
silent, so I walked over to her and introduced myself. At first, she was very
quiet, but eventually she opened up to me and joined my group of friends to
talk. She told me that she was glad she opened up and took a chance at
making new friends. Ever since then, she has been very outgoing and even
played a role in a school musical.

       The moment that the Kennywood staff member announced the ride was
open, I knew that there was no way out. My heart pounded as I climbed into the
cold seat and fastened my seatbelt as tight as I could. The cart immediately
began its way up. I could only hear the clicking of the chains pulling me up the
track as the rain stung my eyes. As it climbed farther up the steep hill, I
suddenly remembered how much I was afraid of heights. Finally, it reached the
top of the magnificent hill. I could see every home, street, and building in
Pittsburgh . The coaster whooshed down the hill like a hurricane. I discovered
a smile forming on my face, and all of the weight lifted from my stomach.

       That is when I discovered that the things people fear can be the most
worthwhile and memorable experience they’ve ever had. Taking more
chances can be refreshing and life-changing, whether it’s learning how to ski,
taking up a new hobby, or even traveling to a new country. My discovery
positively changed the person I am today, and I’m sure others who realize this
will also feel the same way.

       After I unlocked the seatbelt and hopped out of the roller coaster, a smile
remained on my face the rest of the day. Phantom’s Revenge stood tall and
noticeable while I roamed Kennywood, and I knew that I had conquered it.

Copyright belongs to Erin Price
All Rights Reserved