The Papaya Incident

Summer at the rec center meant one thing: mandatory **swimming** tests for the junior counselor program. Maya, whose idea of aquatic exercise was walking past the fountain at the mall, was screwed.

"You'll be fine," said Jalen, already in his swimsuit, looking unfairly confident. "Just don't think about how you're literally terrible at it."

"Thanks, Jalen. Your support is overwhelming," Maya deadpanned, adjusting her goggles for the third time.

The pool area smelled like chlorine and middle school awkwardness. Mr. Harrison, the guy who'd run the program since before TikTok existed, blew his whistle. "Alright, everyone in!"

Maya's stomach did something unholy. She'd managed to avoid actual **swimming** since that one time in sixth grade when she'd nearly drowned during a game of Sharks and Minnows. Now here she was, sixteen years old, about to embarrass herself in front of the one person she actually wanted to impress.

She made it three lengths before her arms turned to jelly. Mr. Harrison, bless his heart, didn't even make her finish. "Maybe work on your breathing, Maya."

*Understatement of the century.*

Afterward, Jalen found her sitting on the edge of the snack bar, picking at a fruit cup. "Dude, you survived. That's what matters."

"I literally almost died."

"Dramatic." He gestured at her fruit cup. "What even is that?"

"The **papaya** was on sale, okay? Don't judge my budget life choices."

Jalen cracked up. "Papaya? Really? That's like, the most basic fruit of all time."

"It's exotic!" Maya defended, though she knew he was right. "It's practically tropical."

"Sure, if tropical means 'sits in the cafeteria cooler untouched for three days.'"

They sat there until Mr. Harrison kicked them out, talking about nothing and everything. Maya felt weirdly okay with her failed swim test. Mostly because Jalen hadn't made her feel like a loser about it.

The next day, Jalen showed up with something behind his back.

"Close your eyes."

"Uh, no? That's how people end up in documentaries titled 'Teenagers Who Made Questionable Life Choices.'"

"Just trust me, Maya."

She closed her eyes. Something plastic hit her palm.

"What is this?"

"A **cable** lock for your bike. So you can actually ride here instead of having your mom drop you off like a literal child."

Maya stared at it. "How did you even—"

"I notice things, okay? And your mom's minivan is... distinctive."

"She put a sticker on it! ONE STICKLEBACK STICKER!"

"It has a whole marine life ecosystem, Maya. I'm just trying to help you maintain some dignity."

Three weeks later, Maya could actually swim sort of competently. She and Jalen were sitting by the pool when Mr. Harrison approached, looking serious.

"We've had a report of a **bear** near the nature trail," he said. "Everyone needs to stay inside until wildlife services arrives."

Maya's eyes went huge. "A bear? Like, an actual bear?"

"Probably just lost from the mountains," Jalen said, but he moved his chair closer to hers.

They ended up squished in the equipment closet with three other counselors, waiting for the all-clear. In the dark, cramped space, Jalen's hand brushed hers.

"So," he whispered, "about that papaya..."

"Don't. Don't say it."

"...it actually grows on trees. Did you know that?"

"Jalen, I will literally push you into the pool."

"Wouldn't be the first time you've tried to drown me."

She laughed despite herself.

The bear turned out to be a large dog someone had lost, but by the time they found out, something had shifted between them. Not a big dramatic thing. Just... different.

"So," Jalen said later, as they walked toward the parking lot, "want to come over this weekend? We could watch that show you're obsessed with. The one with all the drama."

"The one you said was 'literally for babies'?"

"I've been informed my opinion was... hasty."

Maya smiled. She still couldn't swim very well, her bike lock was still confusing to use, and she'd never actually like papaya. But somehow, none of that mattered anymore.