“I think it would be great for you to pray for the family.” Mom moved in closer and grabbed my hand and Zoe’s hand. Dad pulled in between Zoe and me. And there we were, getting ready to pray on the top of the Empire State Building!

They all bowed their heads. I looked around, expecting to see the Triple T woman staring at me. But we were the only ones up there. I bowed my head and cleared my throat. “Um, Lord . . . thank you for my family and for all the new experiences here in New York City. This year, please give us a new way of looking at things. Make Zoe more patient and show me how to have more compassion. And help us have fun while we do it. Amen.”

Chapter 3
Falling into Place

“So, are you two okay getting home? Dad and I have health checkups in an hour.” Mom linked arms with Dad again as we waited for the first set of elevators to take us down to the 86th floor observation deck.

Reynold waved. “You got lucky, being up here all by yourselves. Come see us again soon!”

“Are you sure there wasn’t anyone else up here this whole time?” I asked.

Like an old lady wearing white sweats and a Triple T ball cap?

Reynold stuck out a lip and shook his head. “Not on top of this building, son. Like I said, everyone who comes up here passes by me.”

“Okay.” I glanced around, looking for glitter. “Seems kinda weird.”

Reynold held the doors open as my family entered. “It hardly ever happens, but when it does, I like to call it the Manhattan Miracle. It’s like someone reserved the top of the Empire State Building just for your family today, for some special purpose. I’d start paying real close attention to what happens next.”

“Thank you, Reynold,” Mom said. “Have a blessed day.”

The doors closed in front of us. As we descended to the 86th floor, our ears popping, I couldn’t help but wonder what happened to that Triple T lady. And what in the world she meant by “test my metal.”

*  *  *

The view from the 86th floor was awesome too. We couldn’t see as much of Central Park, but there was a nice breeze outside to cool us down just a bit on such a hot day.

Mom checked her watch. “Oh, dear, we better be on our way. Do you kids want to stay a little longer?”

I wiped a little sweat drop from my forehead. “Nah. I’m ready to go.”

“Me too.” Zoe turned and headed toward the elevators. “And don’t worry, Arcade and I will be fine getting home.”

“Yeah, we’re pretty much experts on the subway. And now, with my new ‘fun’ goal, I guess I need to pay attention to what’s above ground too.”