It meant the engineering team was satisfied enough with the revised prototype to present it for the next stage of evaluation. The vehicle had been assessed in controlled conditions, its previous concerns had been addressed, and the specialists had documented the limits under which it might be considered for a brief supervised experience.
Virginia remained cautious.
She insisted that the family understand exactly what had and had not been established.
Doc agreed.
The passenger seating system still needed individual fitting.
Ellie's physical therapist would need to assess her comfort and support.
Her physician would need to determine whether the proposed activity was medically appropriate for her at that time.
And if any part of the process raised concerns, the project would stop.
But the vehicle itself was ready to be shown.
Doc called Rachel.
"Ma'am?"
"Doc?"
"I think it's time."
Rachel stopped folding laundry.
"Time for what?"
"To let Ellie see what we've been working on."
Rachel looked toward the living room, where her daughter was watching a cartoon with Mr. Bumblebee on her lap.
"Is it finished?"
"Finished enough for her to see. Not approved for a ride yet."
Rachel was quiet.
Doc continued.
"I want you and Mark to understand that before you come. Nobody's going anywhere on it Saturday. We're only going to show her the machine and talk about the next steps."
Rachel nodded.
"Okay."
Doc hesitated.
"Are you still comfortable with that?"
Rachel looked toward Ellie.
The little girl was laughing at something on the television.
For months, she had been asking about her metal horse.
Rachel smiled.
"Yes."
Doc exhaled.
"Good."
Then Rachel asked, "Doc?"
"Yes?"
"What did you build?"
He looked toward the black three-wheeled vehicle standing beneath the workshop lights.
For several seconds, he didn't answer.
Then he smiled.
"Something I hope makes her happy."
Saturday morning arrived cold and clear.
The Forrester family pulled into Doc's parking lot shortly after ten. Frost still clung to the shaded edges of the pavement, and the surrounding mountains looked pale beneath the winter sky.
Ellie sat in her wheelchair beside the family vehicle, holding Mr. Bumblebee against her chest.
She had insisted on wearing her pale-pink sweatshirt.
Rachel had helped her choose gray pants and her favorite pink shoes.
Mark wore a cream sweater beneath his winter jacket, while Rachel had chosen a beige cardigan over a blue shirt.
Several family members accompanied them.