Picture 2
Kimberly Gould’s Picture Choice: 2
Title: Firsts
Virginia, or Gina as everyone called her, put on her bravest face.
“It’s okay, dear. This is a still part of the lake. You’ll have lots of time to figure the kayak out before you even need a paddle.”
Her friends needed paddles. They were all turning circles and stroking away while James, the other councillor, kept watch. Tina tried again. “You have your life vest on,” she said, pulling on one of the buckles. “That will keep your head out of the water no matter what happens.”
Gina closed her eyes and slid her legs into the plastic boat. A small puddle of water soaked her legs and made her shiver. The day was so warm, though, that the little cool was nice. Tina still held the edge of the kayak, keeping Gina steady.
“Don’t let go,” Gina whimpered.
“Not until you’re ready,” Tina promised.
Gina didn’t believe her, just like she didn’t believe Dad when he said he’d keep a hold on her bike. Just like then, as soon as the adult thought it safe, they let go. She’d needed stitches when her pedal and gouged into her leg. Today, she gulped water as her kayak rolled, just as she’d seen almost every other kayak do at least once today.
Her lungs screamed and she tried to echo them, tried to push the water out, but no sound came, only a few bubbles. She was wrenched with the kayak, upright. She coughed and spluttered and tried not to cry. Her tears were lost in the water running down her face.
James was in the water, holding her kayak. “It’s okay, Gina. Everything is okay.”
Gina reached for him, pulling herself half out into the water. Weeping into his neck, she refused to let go even after he managed to get her on land again.
James stroked her back and murmured soothingly while Tina joined the rest of the class in the water, demonstrating how to control their kayaks and even how to right themselves when they did go over.
“I-I’m sorry,” Gina whined.
“Shh. It’s okay. You’re okay.”
“I can’t. I can’t do it. I’m sorry.”
“It’s okay, Gina. You don’t have to do it. You just had to try. We’re proud of you.”
Her heart doubled, tripled in her still pained chest. They were proud of her. They weren’t going to berate her for falling the first time. They weren’t going to mock her for not trying to get back on. They weren’t going to push her. They were happy with what she had done, what she could do.
“Thank you,” she breathed, relaxing at last.
“Want to swim instead?” James suggested, rising to his feet and taking her with him.
“Yes!”
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Kimberly Gould is the author of Cargon: Honour and Privilege, and it's sequel Duty and Sacrifice. She can be found most places as Kimmydonn, including Kimmydonn.com
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Sweet little tale, showing how a small trauma early on can affect your confidence. Good writing.
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