Have you ever heard a story on the news about a stuck roller coaster? I have a few times, and all I can think about is how tremendously scared everyone up there must be. What specifically crosses my mind is that they’re probably keeping to themselves and too full of fear to hold a conversation. Soon after hearing these stories, my thoughts slowly pass and I continue with my day. However, on June 2, seven of my closest friends from Stonehill College and I decided to spend the day at Six Flags and we couldn’t be more excited. Sounds fun, doesn't it? I never suspected that I’d be the one stuck up there; that is until it happened to me.
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We eagerly got in line for Wicked Cyclone after convincing our group to finally go on a chilling roller coaster all together. This monster of a ride with 3,320 feet of track, standing 10 stories in the sky made of both wood and steel had our thrill-seeking nerves more ready than ever. After waiting in line for what felt like hours in the scorching heat, we finally sat, got strapped in and the ride began.
Before we knew it, we were stopped on our way up the first hill. The 109-foot hill was not ideal placement. It took a few seconds for us all to comprehend what was actually happening; then we realized that we were truly stuck and were clueless as to when we'd move again. While in this traumatic situation, I had the impression that we would all have similar thoughts, that is until we started conversing. An experience like this will really bring a group of people together in the strangest way possible.
I could go on forever explaining to you the details regarding our fear of the mechanical issues that occurred, but that would consist of strictly terror and tears, which will only dampen your mood. So, let’s focus on the thoughts we were all undergoing and what really happened up there on the stuck roller coaster. Between us eight and the strangers stuck with us, lots of thoughts were collected and more laughter was shared than you think possible in this type of a situation.
For starters, there's the guy who whipped out his phone as fast as possible to take a Snapchat of what was happening, so obviously we all had to jump in; "This is hilarious, I need to take a Snapchat." But the thoughts that were shared will never be forgotten. A group of teenagers all stuck together is truly a bonding moment, especially when there's no way out of it (literally). Our thoughts varied from horrifying to humorous to religious to silent. Some of the most memorable words said on-board this experience included:
"I'm literally going to be so angry if this is how I die."
"My parents are going to kill me if I die."
"Should I call my mom?"
"I need to tweet about this."
"Can we sue for this? Maybe it'll pay my tuition."
"Stonehill is going to send out an email, 'Eight Skyhawks die in a tragic accident at Six Flags,' but at least we'll finally be in the Monday morning update."
"I wonder if I could squeeze out of these restraints and climb down like Spider-Man."
"Can we get Friendly's when this is over?" (And we did.)
"I'm never doing anything bad ever again."
"Are we being punished?"
"I love you all and am so thankful to have you all in my life."
"I still have so much to live for!"
"You're crying. Do you want me to cry with you?"
"I'd comfort you, but, you know, we're still strapped in, so it's the thought that counts."
There were also a few prayers said and multiple other riders responding with "Hallelujah!" And of course the people down below laughing at the entire situation only to get some evil looks and cruel middle fingers in return from everyone up above. Let's also not forget about the tragic sunburns that we could all feel forming. "Why couldn't we have gotten stuck under some shade?"Also the two poor girls who needed to catch a bus in a few minutes. I'm guessing they missed it.
It’s crazy how one person’s thoughts automatically resort to humor while another person’s thoughts automatically resort to the idea that this may be the last moments of their life. Thankfully, all of these thoughts and words were brought together into one experience to make a memorable one. If it wasn’t for the humor shared, we would only remember the anxiety that overflowed our bodies. But due to being together and making the most of a terrible situation, it is easy to forget the feelings of fear.
See what it's like to ride Wicked Cyclone! (Pause to feel like us.)
We are survivors.
