If by a day full of fun Mr. Johnson had meant a dayfull of long lines, slow rides, and yawning, then his plan was a tremendous success. The S'mores Sleds were a snooze, the Lemon Lurch left a sour taste in everyone's mouths, and the Taffy Twirl was just plain terrible. By the time they reached Molasses Mountain, Jacob and Nate had struck up a competition to see who could yawn the loudest to pass the time.

"Nate, wasn't that the coolest ride you went on last time?" Mr. Johnson asked in an attempt to get them excited.

"Yeah." Nate squinted up at the roller coaster. "It doesn't look as big as it used to, but I bet it'll be fun once we're on it."

Jacob rolled his eyes. "I doubt it. I don't think they could have made a worse design. Was brown really the most exciting color they could think of for a roller coaster? Plus, when have you ever heard someone say something's as fast as molasses?"

"Believe it or not, this used to be your favorite ride too," Mr. Johnson said. "Come on, let's give it a chance."

After a brief wait in line, the three of them boarded the roller coaster. Their car lurched forward and slowly climbed up the first incline. The peak of the so-called mountain seemed more like the top of an ant hill as the riders strained to catch a glimpse of anything other than the mud-colored tracks in front of them. After an eternity of inching upward, the car slid down the peak at a speed that would only impress the slowest of snails.

When the ride eventually ended after several more disappointing drops, Jacob exclaimed, "That was pathetic! That wasn't a mountain. It was barely even a hill."

"You might say it was fighting an uphill battle trying to be fun," Nate said, earning a chuckle from his brother.

"Alright," their dad said, "I admit that was pretty bad, but would you boys mind going on one last slow ride? I'd like to ride the Sweethearts Tunnel before the line gets too long."

The boys groaned in unison. Even when they were younger and more easily impressed, they had never enjoyed that mushy ride.

"Would five dollars sweeten the deal enough for you?"

"Yes!" Nate said, but Jacob put an arm out to stop him from taking the money.

"That's not much money for us to share," he said. "You'll barely be able to get any candy for just two dollars and fifty cents. Make it five dollars each."

"What he said," Nate said as he crossed his arms.

"You boys drive a hard bargain, but I think I can make that work." Mr. Johnson rummaged through his wallet and pulled out the money. "Please promise me you'll wait until after lunch to eat any candy you buy though."

"Deal."

With that, the three of them walked to the Sweethearts Tunnel where they were greeted by a long line full of couples. Smooching sweethearts surrounded the family as the brothers struggled not to gag. Finally, after enduring countless minutes listening to murmured compliments, they boarded a pink boat decorated with dozens of pastel-colored hearts on a one-way trip down the slowest, sappiest section of the whole park.