Chapter 26 - The Ferris Wheel
Three years after the engagement party, Wren asked to go back to the same fairground.
Not for therapy.
For a birthday.
Her friend Ava wanted the Ferris wheel.
I hated the idea.
Wren noticed.
“Dad.”
“What?”
“It’s wheel.”
“I know.”
“You doing face.”
Everyone in my life apparently agreed I had a face.
We went.
No private rental.
Regular families.
Tickets.
Lines.
Overpriced food.
Wren bought cotton candy.
Of course.
She walked near the same padded area where Colton had tripped her.
I watched too closely.
She turned.
“Stop.”
“Stop what?”
“Watching my feet.”
I looked away.
She laughed.
Then got onto the Ferris wheel with Ava and Ava’s mother.
I stayed below.
For one full rotation, my chest felt tight.
Then Wren appeared at the top, tiny yellow jacket visible against the evening sky.
She waved.
I waved back.
No danger.
No revelation.
No adult teaching her she was replaceable.
When she came down, she said:
May you like
“Again.”
We rode together.
