When I was six, my dad offered me a prize if I swam underwater across the entire length of an olympic swimming pool. I had to swim as close to the floor as possible and not come out for air. It was my favorite way to swim because I was transported into a place where time and space were different. As it slipped through my hands, water felt tangible and awesome, and even when it became hard to hold my breath, I continued. I wanted to stay as long as possible in that turquoise world.
When I reached the end, dad was proud in a way I rarely got to see because I was never good at sports, and he came from a athletic family of mostly boys. Perhaps this is why I chose a plaid newsboy cap as a prize. I don't think I ever wore it, but it became the most precious thing I owned.
When I reached the end, dad was proud in a way I rarely got to see because I was never good at sports, and he came from a athletic family of mostly boys. Perhaps this is why I chose a plaid newsboy cap as a prize. I don't think I ever wore it, but it became the most precious thing I owned.
