Esme gave them a weak smile, trying to maintain her composure. "Right," she muttered. "Fearless."
But as they got closer to the ride, her heart raced. The sounds of the ride whooshing through the air, the screams of the riders, and the sight of that massive spinning bucket made her legs feel like jelly.
As they reached the front of the line, the brothers stood tall, grinning from ear to ear, while Esme felt like shrinking into the ground.
"Don't worry, Esme," Ray teased, nudging her lightly. "We'll hold your hand if you get scared."
Esme's heart tightened as they moved closer to the ride, but it wasn't the spinning bucket that scared her. It was the memories that resurfaced with every step, memories she had long buried. The moment they had entered the amusement park, regret had been gnawing at her, clawing at her insides. She should have never let Helga choose this place. She should have known better.