Lola at the swimming pool

Lola, four years old, skips into the pool area with a big smile. Her brown hair is tied in two little ponytails and she is as sunny as her rainbow dress, which sits folded on the bench. Her pink shoes wait by the locker.

She wiggles her toes at the water and splashes right in. Lola laughs and blows bubbly little kisses to the surface. Something shiny glints on the bottom of the pool.

She holds her breath, dives a little bit, and reaches down with a small hand. Lola finds a bright blue swim cap and brings it up to show everyone. Water drips from her hair like tiny silver strings.

A child on the side of the pool waves and runs over. "Oh! My cap!" the child says, and Lola hands it back with a giggle. They both splash and start playing together like old friends.

After a while, the new friend points up to the high diving board. Lola looks up and it seems very high, like a tall ladder to the sky. Her tummy feels fluttery with a little bit of worry.

Lola holds the handrail and climbs the ladder step by step. She counts slowly with her friend, "One… two… three." She squeezes her eyes, remembers being brave, and smiles.

Lola takes a deep breath and jumps off the board. She flies for a moment and then splashes into the water with a big, happy noise. Everyone cheers and claps for her.

Later, they sit on the bench with a cold popsicle and dry towels wrapped around their shoulders. Lola puts her rainbow dress back on and tucks her wet ponytails behind her ears. She grins and says, "Let's come back tomorrow!"