Splash!

It is summer. I am at the pool with one of my friends. As I put sunscreen on, I look up. I see the hot sun, bleaching everything in sight. I hear the noise of a crowd, and a beating in my ears. I sit on the blazing cement, engulfed by the warmth of my towel.
After standing up, I walk over to a steep pit. I stare down at the cool liquid below me. Cautiously, I dip one toe into the water. It feels cold on my skin.
Then, I slowly walk over to a long, white board. There is no line to wait in. I tune any other sound out of my senses, and I hear nothing but my own thoughts. I am alone. I run swiftly to the end of the board, and with one strong jump, I am sent vertically into the freezing water.
I do not feel heavy, or light. One motion and I could easily reach the top. But I do not move. My toes scrape the rough cement bottom very lightly, and I notice that my oxygen is running low. I could still float to the top if I wanted to, but instead I pull my arms down quickly, sending me to the surface.
I swim for what seems like miles until I reach the ladder, and climb onto the warm ground above. The wet experience is over. I walk over to the board once more. I must feel the whoosh of the water once again.