There was no one else here today. No splashing, no lifeguard whistle, no echoing chatter. Just the soft lap of water against tile.

In the shallow end, little Seraphina—Sera—clung to the edge of the pool, her tiny yellow floaties bobbing as she kicked her feet.

Every so often, one of them would glance over, then quickly look away.

Sera splashed with both hands, laughing as water sprayed, before paddling back toward you.