Michael was already well underway. No training wheels. I couldn’t lift my feet off the ground.
What If I fall?
Then you have a bruised butt.
Michael was riding around in circles, taunting me with his black ninja bike.
Move it Allie.
I can’t mum. I’m trrryyiing.
Alex, stop crying or I will turn you upside-down and spit in your butt.
And she stands there, circled by Michael the annoying younger brother fly, hands on corn field hips. Bio mom comes and grabs my bike. Pushes. In the Parking lot of Point Defiance Beach. Where cars are.
What are you doing?
What are you doing what are you doing mom no don’t do that no mom. MOM! MOM!
I’m moving. And tilting. And skinning my knee, upper thigh, and bottom. Michael is watching, horrifed. I hope he never bikes for the rest of his life!
