Susie visits the circus under the big red tent, meets Beetle and Lenka, and waits for the show to begin. Then the lights flicker out, and something stirs in the dark.
On a warm evening, Susie came to the town square with her mum and dad. In front of them rose a huge red tent, bright with fluttering flags. Above the gate hung a sign that read CYRK OF JOY. The air smelled of popcorn and candyfloss, and from inside came the merry tinkle of circus music.
Susie's heart jumped with excitement. It was her first circus night. She hurried through the entrance and looked around at the round arena, the shiny benches, and the busy people in bright costumes. A clown named Beetle waved a giant yellow glove at the children. Nearby, the acrobat Lenka bounced lightly on her toes, as if she could spring right up to the ceiling.
Soon everyone sat down. The circus director stepped into the ring wearing a tall, colourful hat, and the show began. A parrot squawked funny words, a kitten in a glittering waistcoat tiptoed along a rope, and the trumpet played a cheerful tune while Beetle twirled his handkerchief.
Then, just as Lenka stepped forward for her turn, the tent fell silent. The lights flickered once, twice, and went out.
Darkness wrapped around the arena. Somewhere in the middle, something moved slowly and softly. Susie held her breath and stared into the blackness, waiting to see what would appear next.