“Why not?”
“It’s too scary.”
“What do you think might happen?”
Her niece smoothed her hands over the surface of the water. “I could drown.”
“But I’m right here. I’m an expert swimmer and I’d never let that happen. I wonder if you could hold your breath and put your face to the water just for a quick second. I’ll be right here the whole time.”
“You won’t let me drown?”
“Of course not.”
“You teach big kids to swim?”
“I do. They’re already very good swimmers and I teach them how to get even better.”
“Owen can swim real good. He says I’m a baby.”
“You’re not a baby. Lots of people get nervous in the water. It’s okay to feel scared. But the important thing is to overcome that fear. Because learning to stay safe in the water is very important.”
“’Cause what if I fell in?”
“That’s right. It’s all about safety. Once you learn to swim, you won’t have to be afraid of the water anymore.”
Mia stared into the pool. That familiar pattern danced through the water as light refracted against the ripples. “Can I hold my nose?”
“Of course.”
She seemed to deliberate for a full ten seconds. “Okay, I’ll try. Just for a quick second.”
Maggie bit back a smile. “Whenever you’re ready, take a big breath and hold it.”
Mia grabbed the railing. A moment later her cute little face took on a battle-like expression. Then she sucked in a breath, held her nose, and went face down in the water.
She was back up in a flash, water streaming down her cheeks. Her spiky lashes opened to gleaming eyes as her face broke into a dimpled smile. “I did it!”
Maggie hugged her. “You did great! You held your breath and put your whole face in, just like an old pro.”
“It was easy.”
“That’s only because you’re so brave.”
“How’s it going out here?” Erin called through the French doors.
Mia jumped up from her stoop and water dripped at her feet as she dashed toward her mom. “I’m an old pro, Mommy.”
“Is that so? You’ll have to tell me all about it.” Erin beamed at her daughter. She’d been inside making cookies with Zoey while Maggie worked with Mia.
This was a good place to stop. Maggie eased from the water.
“Oh no you don’t,” Erin called. “You stay and enjoy a nice long swim while the girls and I finish up the cookies.”
“Are you sure?”
“Positive.”
Mia was still rambling about her accomplishment when the door closed.
