The Poolside Oracle

Maya adjusted the brim of her floppy sun hat, trying to look like she belonged at the country club pool. This was supposed to be "the ultimate summer hang" according to Instagram, but so far it was just expensive water and teenagers she didn't know.

"Hey, you're in my spot."

Maya looked up to see a girl with impossibly shiny hair and designer sunglasses. "I didn't know spots could be claimed."

"They can when you're on the swim team," the girl said, then cracked a smile. "I'm Sam. You're new here."

"Maya. And I'm definitely not on the swim team."

"That's fine. Not everyone can be gifted like me." Sam splashed water at her. "Watch this."

What followed was possibly the worst diving exhibition in history. Sam did a graceful spiral into the water, then emerged sputtering and laughing. "Okay, don't put that on TikTok."

"Too late," Maya said, pulling out her phone. "That's definitely going viral."

"You wouldn't."

"I might. For a price."

"What price?"

"Teach me how to swim like a normal person."

Sam's expression shifted. "Wait, you can't swim? At all?"

"Not really. My parents never saw the point."

"That's like, literally a life skill," Sam said, suddenly serious. "Okay, pool after closing time. I'll teach you. Don't make me regret this."

"Why would you regret it?"

"Because I'm terrible at making friends," Sam admitted. "There. I said it."

"You're doing fine so far," Maya said.

By midnight, they were sneaking back to the pool gate. Sam had brought snacks and a serious face. "Okay, the secret to swimming isn't talent. It's not sinking. That's it."

"That's your wisdom?" Maya asked. "Very sphinx-like riddle of you."

"The sphinx couldn't do a backstroke though," Sam said. "Come on. The water's actually pretty nice once you stop thinking about all the ways you can embarrass yourself."

Maya stepped in. The water felt different at night—quiet, almost secret. When Sam finally convinced her to float, Maya looked up at the stars and felt something shift inside her. Maybe this summer wouldn't be so bad after all.

"You're doing it," Sam whispered. "You're literally swimming."

"Barely," Maya said, but she was smiling.

"Progress is progress," Sam said. "Same time tomorrow?"

"Only if you promise not to dive."

"Deal."