Don’t Worry, It’ll Be Fun!

Helena Ortiz, age 11

Maltby Intermediate

I could feel the lump forming in my throat as I climbed into the roller coaster cart. Now, going to Cedar Point is one of my family’s traditions. That is the reason I was riding the Rougarou: the newest roller coaster.

As I buckled myself in for the ride, I thought about my decision to ride the roller coaster. Was it a good or bad idea, I asked myself. I heard my mom’s voice interrupt my thoughts.

“Don’t worry it will be fun!” She said, in a reassuring tone. I just had to trust her.

The roller coaster started up toward the huge hill and I thought about my brothers watching me from below. When we reached the halfway point, my heart was pounding and my knuckles were turning white from gripping the handlebar so hard. I could hear the ticking of the gear that held the cart in place. With every tick my heart pounded harder or so it seemed to me. My mouth was dry and I took a big gulp of fresh air. This relaxed me until I realized the cart was nearing the top. I started to panic and I could sense fear rising in my throat. As soon as I knew it we were plummeting down, down, down. I smiled to myself because it felt so good to conquer something.