Retied a loose balloon ribbon to the fence.
When I asked whether she wanted to swim, she looked toward the crowded pool.
“Maybe later.”
“You’re wearing a swimsuit, Clara!” I said.
Her smile barely appeared. “That doesn’t mean I have to be brave enough to dive in.”
I assumed she meant the children splashing wildly around her.
—
After cake, the heat became unbearable.
Even Clara finally took off her cover-up.
Her swimsuit was a plain one-piece. She descended the pool steps cautiously, gripping the handrail.