Mason was unimpressed by the equipment and immediately asked when we could begin.

We spent the first hour practicing starts and stops.

He became angry when the bicycle wobbled, and I nearly repeated my old habit of offering too many instructions.

Instead I asked whether he wanted advice or another try on his own.

“Another try,” he said.

I stepped back.

He pedaled across the lot, turned wide, and stopped a few feet from Lauren.

He raised both arms before the bicycle was completely still, which nearly cost him his balance.