Carousel magic

She chooses carefully. A pretty one, bridle looped with flowers. Paint cracked, beautiful but tired looking.

It starts and she shrieks. I want to run after her. Thinking she's scared. Grab her. Save her.

She turns and waves. I want to shout 'Hold on tight with both hands!' but stifle my worries back down inside.

She disappears from sight.

Round the other side.

I know she'll be back but I've imagined the child snatcher standing there by the doughnut stall. Watching. Waiting for this moment.

She reappears with a laugh and a tinkle of music. But my fear doesn't go.