Dog Paddling Through Bull

Marcus stood at the edge of the pool, clutching his **vitamin** D supplements like they were some kind of armor. Coach Rodriguez had insisted everyone take them after that epic sunburn incident during the outdoor meet.

"You're up, Marcus," said Jenna, tapping his shoulder. She was the only person on the swim team who didn't make him feel like a total fraud.

The **cable** TV at home had been out for three days, which meant no distracting from the fact that Marcus had secretly joined the team just to avoid his mom finding out he'd cut drama club. But standing here, in his oversized swim trunks that hit somewhere below his knees, he felt the weight of every decision that had led to this moment.

His older brother Derrick's voice echoed in his head: *That's **bull**, Marcus. You can't just quit because Tyler made that joke.*

Tyler. The actual reason Marcus was here. Tyler who'd called him "theater **dog**" in front of everyone at lunch, like performing was something shameful. Tyler whose dad owned the local car dealership and treated everyone like they worked for him.

"Marcus!" Coach's voice cut through his spiraling.

He dove.

The water hit him like a revelation. Something shifted. All the noise in his head — the fear, the embarrassment, the fake friends who'd laughed at Tyler's joke — it all quieted. **Swimming** wasn't like performing for an audience who might judge you. The water didn't care if you were cool or awkward or trying too hard. It just held you.

By his third lap, Marcus realized something: Tyler would never understand this feeling. Tyler would never know the peace of moving through something that demanded nothing but presence.

Marcus finished his set, chest heaving, and pulled himself from the pool. Jenna high-fived him.

"Not bad for a drama kid," she grinned.

Marcus laughed, actual genuine laughter. "Yeah. Turns out I'm done with bull. Drama or otherwise."

That evening, the cable still wasn't fixed, but Marcus found himself perfectly okay with that. He had practice tomorrow, and for the first time in forever, he was exactly where he wanted to be.