Carousel Ballerina

(selected as part of a photo prompt contest by Ellipsis Zine)

The carousel was her favorite - glistening, regal animals posed mid-gallop. She’d laugh and swing as she looped arms round stiff reins. “Look Pa! No hands!” She smiled, toothless, throwing up all ten fingers in the air. When the ride began she froze on one foot like a ballerina.