Free A Healing Heart by Melissa A. Hanson

we’re going to go get in one of those big teacups and spin.”
    Collin pulled my hand into his while we stood in line. As we waited, Lacey and Riley debated which color teacup we were going to get in, at last narrowing it down to the green or purple. In the end, the only color left for us was red, and I wondered at first if they were going to be upset, but as we climbed in, Lacey declared that red was the best color anyway. We all crammed in, knees bumping against each other, the space very tight for three adults and two kids.
    The ride got started and Collin pulled hard on the little wheel, sending us all into a high-speed spin very quickly. Riley and Lacey were both squealing with delight. Eileen was holding on to them so they wouldn’t bash into each other. I was laughing but then had to focus on the center of the teacup and not look out at the spinning world around me. I could feel the queasiness starting.
    “ Ahh... Collin...”
    “ Yeah? Oh, geez, are you okay? You look a little green.”
    “ Just need to slow it down a bit, please.”
    Collin let the wheel go, and the cup started to slow down to a more manageable speed. I was relieved when the ride came to a stop shortly after, but the kids were begging to go on it again.
    Eileen helped Riley and Lacey out. I followed them, still feeling a little dizzy. Collin reached around me and steadied me as we walked toward the gate.
    “ Sorry, I forgot how easily I can get sick on the spinning rides.”
    He just chuckled. “It’s okay. I’ll remember that for next time. You’re already getting color back in your face, so that’s a good sign.”
    We got to the exit gate where Eileen and the kids waited for us, both of the little ones jumping up and down.
    “ Please, can we go again?” Lacey asked.
    “ Pwease? Pwease?” Riley chimed in.
    “ It’s okay, I’ll sit this one out; you guys go. I’ll wait over by the stroller.”
    “ Are you sure?” Eileen asked.
    “ Yes, go. They had fun, and this time Collin can spin it fast the entire time.”
    The four of them got back in line. The line had been short enough that they were able to get right back on, again in one of the red teacups. They waved after they got seated. Pulling out my camera, I shot a picture of them sitting in the teacup smiling. The ride got started, and I could see both of the kids laughing. Collin had the teacup spinning so fast they were like a blur passing by. Even Eileen was laughing. I knew it was good for her to get out and have a good time too.
    I walked over to the exit with the stroller and waited for them to get out of the teacup. We then walked over to Alice in Wonderland. Lacey loved the caterpillars, and we ended up in a pink one. Eileen had squeezed in the front with Lacey and Riley, and that left the back for Collin and me. I climbed in first, and Collin slid in next to me. As we ventured down through the rabbit hole into the world of Wonderland, Collin placed his arm around me and pulled me against him. Leaning my head against his shoulder, I felt content. It was going to be a great day; one I knew I would never forget. In the front seat, Riley screamed with delight at the Cheshire cat, with his purple and blue stripes and moony, grinning face.
    Once the ride was over, we collected the stroller, and Eileen led the way over to the Mad Hatter, where she proceeded to purchase Mickey ears hats with our names embroidered on them for each of us. Both Collin and I tried to pay for ours, but Eileen refused. After trying to slip money into her purse and getting it promptly returned to me, I let her finish paying.
    By the time midafternoon rolled around, we had already ridden It’s a Small World, been to Toontown, visited both Mickey and Minnie in their houses, had lunch in New Orleans Square, and were in line for Pirates of the Caribbean. Lacey had warmed up immediately to Eileen, and I could tell she was in seventh heaven with the attention Eileen gave her. Lacey had grabbed Eileen’s