For all my grumbling with Mama earlier, I was excited to do something out of the routine of everyday farm life, which consisted of feeding the small flock of chickens and other critters before catching the school bus, a mundane school day, after-school chores, making sure the others did their homework and their own chores, helping with supper and then bath-time routines. With Mama on bed rest, I felt more like a warden than a preteen girl.

At the ticket booth, Pa divvied out tokens for rides and games along with three dollars apiece. “That should get ya a soda and at least two snacks. I’m gonna ride some rides with Boss, so if you run out of money, come find me or Ox. If you act like you got good sense, then I’ll let you pick out a souvenir before we leave.” He handed me another bundle of dollars. “Your ma said you wanted to take the twins on rides?”

Wanted was a strong word, but I nodded anyway. “Yes, sir.” Even though fourteen-year-old Boston had the mind of probably a four-year-old, he was tall enough and adventurous enough to ride anything. I sure wished he was my fair companion for the evening.

“Peg, you good to go? You’re welcome to hang out with us two.” Pa hitched a thumb toward Boston.

“I’m good. I want to see about winning me a goldfish. It’ll take concentration and y’all just be distracting.” Phoenix turned and limped off toward the game section, the thick crowd immediately sweeping him away.

“Meet us right back here in two hours,” Pa called, his deep voice skipping over the heads of people to reach a determined boy on a goldfish mission.

“Yes, sir!” Phoenix’s voice somehow made its way to us even though he was out of sight.

Phoenix had more spirit and vinegar than anyone I’d ever met. He should have been born a redhead, but he was just as dark-headed as the rest of my siblings. They all favored Pa, with varying shades of brown hair and blue eyes. An unfortunate accident at age three when he’d tripped while chasing after the tractor left Phoenix minus a leg. His right leg had gotten caught in the discs before Pa realized he’d fallen. After months and months of surgeries and rehab, Phoenix returned with his leg gone from the knee down but having gained a cynical disposition even at such a young age. Now at age eleven, he mostly kept his smile to himself and was growing more and more argumentative about every little thing.