Pete and Tracy James smile at one another as their children began running into the Disney Park.
"I can't believe we're here, bro!" Tracy exclaims, watching as her 9 year old twin sons Derek and William run round, looking for their favourite Disney characters and arguing about which ride to go on first.
"Yeah, it's amazing!" Pete agrees, looking at his older sister fondly. He turns to a 12 year old girl behind him.
"Come on, Mandy, don't you want to join your cousins?"
"Alright then, dad, I will." And she runs off as fast as the wind to join her cousins.
"It was certainly nice of Dad to pitch in for our trip. The kids deserve a treat." Tracy admits.
"Yeah-it's a pity they all had to deal with divorces."
It had been two weeks since Tracy had divorced from her husband, and a year since Pete found out his wife was cheating on him. Pete had ended up winning custody of Mandy as she was found to be abusing alcohol at the time, and refused to get help.
"Well, all that's behind us. We should enjoy ourselves, and spend time with the kids." Pete declares.
"I agree with you, little brother." Tracy says, and the two shake on it.
"So what do you want to do first?" Pete asks awkwardly.
His stomach rumbles loudly.
"Kids- who wants something to eat?" he calls out to his daughter and nephews.
Three pairs of hungry looking eyes all began looking at him. Their irises sparkled at the thought of some substance to fill their empty tummies.
"Lunch it is then!"
...
Much later, the five are in Cinderella's Royal Table and are eating lunch. Tracy delicately consumes a prawn salad, the boys wolf down a cheeseburger each, Mandy chows down on a veggie burger and Pete has some lamb.
"Man, these are good!" Derek says with his mouth open, causing William to elbow him in the ribs.
"Ow! That hurt!"
Mandy suddenly gasps and starts squealing.
"Look dad! It's the Fairy Godmother- and Princess Tiana! Oh, can I go and meet them please?"
"How about you go with her, boys?" Tracy suggests.
"Nah- I want to see Mulan and Ariel!" Derek whines.
"I'll go with you, Princess Mandy." William offers, causing his cousin to laugh.
"Alright, Prince William, but we better dash. I want to get their autographs!"
The two suddenly speed off across the restaurant, passing many other families eating their food, each of them excited to meet Tiana and the Fairy Godmother.
Derek begins pouting- until he catches a glimpse of something red. Curious, he turns around and notices that a familiar figure in a sea- green dress is standing on the other end of the room.
"Hey, Princess Ariel- I wanna get a selfie with you! "He calls out, and dumps his burger to meet the red haired sea princess.
Tracy smiles at the sight.
It is nice to see the kids so happy again." She sighs.
But Pete frowns. He can see that the once beautifully coloured carpet is draining out its dazzling hues.
"Ugh, Trace?"
"Yes, Pete?"
"Is it just me, or are the colours fading in here?"