Chapter 17 - ETHAN’S SECOND BICYCLE
We waited four months before buying Ethan another bicycle.
Not Carter.
He chose a green one from an unrelated company.
I felt embarrassed about the relief.
At the store, Ethan asked the salesman:
“Can the wheel fall off?”
The man smiled.
“Not if everything is assembled correctly.”
Ethan looked at me.
“That’s not yes or no.”
I almost laughed.
The salesman adjusted.
“The bicycle is designed so the wheel stays attached, and we’ll check it before you leave.”
Better.
Ethan watched the inspection.
Torque wrench.
Brake test.
Tire pressure.
He wanted to understand every step.
Then he rode in the parking lot.
Slowly.
Laura walked beside him.
I did not push.
Did not tell him boys fall.
Did not tell him fear made him weak.
He rode twenty feet.
Stopped.
“I’m scared.”
I said:
“Okay.”
“Can I keep going?”
“Yes.”
“Can you run beside me?”
“Yes.”
So I did.
By the fourth lap, I could not keep up.
May you like
He laughed.
That sound repaired something no court could.
