But this time she was part of the experience.
She could feel the faint vibration through the supported seat and hear the engine nearby, while the adults responsible for her comfort watched closely.
She looked toward Rachel.
"Mama!"
Rachel smiled through tears.
"I'm right here!"
Ellie looked toward Mark.
"Daddy!"
He raised one hand.
"I'm watching, sweetheart!"
Doc glanced toward the supervisor.
The signal came.
Slowly, the custom three-wheeled motorcycle began to move.
It traveled at a pace so gentle that the adults walking nearby could easily keep up.
The tires rolled across the smooth pavement.
The engine hummed.
And Ellie Forrester smiled.
Not the polite smile she gave when someone handed her another toy.
Not the brave smile she used when doctors asked whether she was comfortable.
This was something completely different.
Her eyes shone.
Her face lifted.
And a delighted laugh burst from her chest.
"I'm riding!"
Rachel covered her mouth.
Mark stopped walking for half a second, overwhelmed by the sight.
The little girl laughed again.
"Mama! I'm riding a Harley!"
Doc felt his own eyes fill.
He kept his attention on the short, controlled route.
There was no speed.
No danger added for excitement.
Only a carefully planned experience moving gently across a quiet paved course.
After the agreed brief interval, the supervisor signaled the end.
Doc brought the vehicle to a smooth stop.
The engine settled.
Then it became quiet.
For a few seconds, nobody spoke.
Ellie stared ahead.
Her cheeks were flushed with excitement.
Doc turned carefully toward her.
"How was that, Princess?"
She looked at him.
Then she gave the biggest smile he had ever seen.
"It felt like flying."
Doc swallowed.
"Did it?"
Ellie nodded enthusiastically.
"Yes!"
He laughed through tears.
"Well, I guess that's pretty good."
The little girl looked toward the sky.
Then she whispered, "I wish Sophie could've seen it."
Doc became very still.
Ellie looked toward the little ribbon.
"Do you think she'd be happy?"
The biker closed his eyes for a moment.
Then he looked at her.
"Yeah, sweetheart."
His voice trembled.
"I think she'd be very happy."
The ride lasted only a short time.
But for the Forrester family, it became one of the most important memories of Ellie's childhood.