Only the family, the people responsible for the vehicle and Ellie's care, and a few close friends who had helped make the experience possible.
The private course was a level paved area away from public traffic. The route had been reviewed in advance, and everyone knew the plan, the limits, and the conditions under which the experience would stop.
Doc arrived early.
He walked around the three-wheeled motorcycle while the qualified team completed the final checks. The black bodywork gleamed beneath the morning sun, and the pink passenger seat looked almost unreal against the polished metal.
Near the seat, carefully secured as a keepsake rather than a functional component, was Sophie's little ribbon.
Doc touched it gently.
"Well, sweetheart," he whispered, "here we are."
He didn't imagine Sophie answering.
He didn't need to.
He remembered her laughter.
He remembered her drawings.
And he remembered how completely she had trusted him when she was little.
Then he stepped back.
The Forrester family arrived a few minutes later.
Ellie wore her favorite pink sweatshirt and shoes, with her hair neatly brushed away from her face. Mr. Bumblebee rested on her lap, wearing the tiny helmet Doc had given him.
The little girl spotted the motorcycle immediately.
"Harley man!"
Doc turned.
Her face was bright with excitement.
"Morning, Princess."
Ellie looked toward the paved course.
"Is today the day?"
Doc crouched in front of her.
"If the final checks are good and you're feeling comfortable, yes."
She smiled.
"I'm comfortable."
Rachel laughed softly.
"Let's let everybody check first, sweetheart."
Ellie nodded.
"Okay."
The assessments were completed without rushing.
Ellie was transferred with appropriate assistance into the specially designed passenger position. The trained adults checked her support and comfort, and her parents remained close throughout.
Doc waited beside the motorcycle.
He didn't touch the controls until everyone responsible had confirmed they were ready.
Finally, the medical professional supervising the experience looked toward Rachel and Mark.
The parents exchanged a glance.
Mark nodded.
Rachel wiped her eyes.
They agreed to proceed.
The supervisor then looked toward Doc.
"Keep it exactly as planned."
Doc nodded.
"Understood."
He turned toward Ellie.
"Ready, Princess?"
She smiled.
"Ready."
"Remember, if you want to stop, you tell me."
She nodded.
"I know."
Doc settled into the driver's position.
He started the engine.
The deep Harley rumble spread gently across the closed course.
Ellie's eyes widened.
She had heard motorcycles before.