Wembley Academy’s August Newsletter

It drizzled relentlessly like bullets on the brick road. It was a cold, wet yet lively night. The theme park was filled to the brim with speakers blasting music and maniacal laughter that rang through the crowd. It would be replayed over and over in the night, adding to the mystifying Halloween themed event.

My friends laughed and lightly pushed each other, blinking through beads of rain water that collected on our eyelashes. Abrupt, momentary yells from scare actors could be heard sounding from time to time as they pounced on unsuspecting visitors, earning them occasional screams or snickers that faded into cackles and mocking laughs.

The splashes of the collecting water puddles under our feet were barely audible through the slowly increasing volume of music and laughter as the night progressed. Portions of the crowd branched off into packed queues for ghastly attractions and haunted houses. My friends gripped my soaked sweater sleeve and dragged me off into one after another increasing line of people.

My drenched hair stuck uncomfortably to my face pricking at my eyes before a friend pushed it out of the way with a soft laugh. One of the many main attractions roared to life at the main stage, earning loud cheers from the crowd. My chest and limbs churned with adrenaline. Haunted attractions peeked out from every corner.

I could feel the burn in my cheeks from the lasting smile that had been plastered on my face from the start. The night grew blurry as the attractions all mashed into one, screams and shouts ringing through the thick artificial fog on repeat.

The soft chime of a bell and the song of a familiar band greeted me as I creaked open the door to the cafe. I scanned the surroundings of the café and was surprised by its aesthetic decor. The inside housed various lush plants and monotone colours. Beautiful oak tables and chairs with cream-cushion seats were sat snugly around the cafe. The smell of baking bread, coffee and cinnamon wafted through the air as I took slow steps on the hardwood floor, careful to not wake some cats that were lounging about next to some customers who ate and spoke softly amongst themselves.

A hand was set slowly on my shoulder, startling me for a brief moment before my friend’s familiar laughter eased my nerves. We quietly made our way over to a table where I pulled up a worn oak chair and took my seat. Not long after, I felt the sensation of soft fur brushing up against my leg. An elegant marbled grey cat hopped up onto the table, earning a couple of giggles and admiration from around the table.

The café tinkled with silverware and quiet chatter, yet the environment remained serene. Finally, peace, away from the madhouse of a theme park. I welcomed it as it sank into my bones. I leant back against my chair, closed my eyes and melted into the tranquil surroundings.

By Ashley Kwan (Year 9)