Little Defeats

Two Girls, a Paddleboard, and Deep Water

They were way out in the middle of the lake. Two eleven-year-old girls setting out on life.

I’m going to jump out here and swim to the shore.

All the way?

Yes, I can do it.

Okay, said the friend with a wry smile, as she paddled away, leaving her alone in the middle of the lake.

You’re going really far away.

Do you want me to come for you?

No, I can do it. I know how to swim.

Okay, said her friend, paddling even farther away, her wry smile growing broader.

Hey, you’re going really far.

Do you want me to come get you then?

No, I can do it. I know how to swim.

Her friend chuckled.

There are some really big fish here.

Oh no. Do they bite?

Yes.

Does it hurt?

Yes.

You don’t seem to be getting very far.

I am. It’s just that you’re moving.

Her friend splashed the paddles roughly, her smile widened.

Come get me. Turn around and come get me.

Her friend turned the paddleboard around.

Her mom and friend let out a laugh on the shore.

Hey, are you laughing at me, Mom?

No, honey, we are just talking.

She climbed onto the paddle board a little more unsure.

On the way to the dock, she didn’t see any of the big fish.

They must have swum away, far, far away.

A story by Pemba Umoja