When I take Em to the mall, we always stop in the middle to throw pennies in the fountain.

“Time to make a wish!” She excitedly sings.

I dig in the bottom of my purse, earnestly searching for two copper coins.

When I’ve found them, I give her one and keep the other for myself. She likes to peek over the edge as far as she can, leaning her tummy against the bench seat. I stand next to her and lead in directions.

“Close your eyes,” I say.

At this point, we both squeeze our eyes shut tight.

“Now, let’s count to three!”

One, two, three…

At the same moment, we launch our pennies into the air and watch as they land triumphantly in the water below.

Then, we both squeal with delight.

“That one’s mine! That one’s mine!” Em shouts, pointing to the penny she’s convinced she threw.

“Are you sure that’s it?” I ask, feigning disbelief.

“It is! It is! I know it!” She squeals, dancing about the fountain’s edge.

I laugh as I take her hand and lead her away from the water where our pennies now rest. I know at this age she doesn’t understand the idea of making a wish and hoping it comes true.

But I do.