The sun hung high and golden in a cloudless sky, casting a warm glow over the fairground. Laughter rose above the hum of conversation, blending with the cheerful music of the carousel and the occasional burst of applause from the game booths. The air smelled of popcorn, cotton candy, and fried everything, and the energy was infectious — at least for the kids.
Elliott ran ahead, his eyes lighting up at every game and ride, his excitement almost impossible to contain. “Mom! Look! They have the ring toss! Can I try? Please?”
“We just got here,” Isabelle called after him with a laugh. “Let’s explore a little first!”
Amelia, always more attached, stayed close, her small hand wrapped firmly around Isabelle’s fingers. She tugged on her arm, eyes wide and hopeful. “I wanna go on the carousel,”
