My Short Short for the Day

 “Alright kid, it’s sink or swim time.  It’s time to show what you are made of.  Either you move your arms and legs and swim, or you…well…sink.  This is what you’ve been training for your whole life.  The big test, the final countdown is here.  The time is now.  Do you swim or do you sink?  It’s all in your hands.  You have the ability, somewhere deep inside you.  I believe in you!  I know you can do it.  Paddle your arms and kick your legs.  You can do it!”  Coach Bob was charged up.  “Ok son, are you ready?”

“Uh, I guess.”  Sal was a little confused at the situation.

“I’m going to let go of you and when I do, swim like your life depends on it.  Because it does.”  Coach Bob dramatically let go and stepped back from the edge of the pool with a great flourish.  “Swim Sal!  Swim!  You can do it!”

Sal stood there, unsure of what he was supposed to do.  “Uh, Coach.”

“You’re doing it!  You’re doing it!”  Coach Bob beamed.  “Now move your arms like this!”  Coach Bob moved his arms in an exaggerated Freestyle stroke.

“Ooo-k.”  Sal looked around hoping no one was watching.

“Sal, like this.”  Coach Bob moved his arms faster and was turning his head, too.

Sal hesitated but slowly began to imitate Coach Bob, even though his chest and arms were completely out of the water.

“That’s it!  You’re doing great!  Keep it up!”  Coach Bob looked at his stopwatch.  “Hang in there.  Just a few more seconds. 10-9-8-7-6-5-4-3-2-1.  You did it!”

Sal stopped moving his arms and stared at Coach Bob.

“You did it!”  Coach Bob cheered then jumped into the pool and grabbed Sal’s arm to give him support.  “Congratulations Sal.  You did it!”  He lifted Sal out of the water and set him on the edge of the pool.

“Uh, thanks.”  Sal mustered a smile as he looked down at the 3 ft. painted on the edge next to his hand. 

“Same time tomorrow?”  Coach Bob asked.  “We’ll work on the Back stroke.”

“Uh, ok.”  Sal replied.

Coach Bob patted him on the shoulder and headed into his office.

“Hey Sal!  Have you seen Coach Bob?  He’s supposed to teach me to swim.  Today’s my first lesson.”  Sally smiled and looked around.

“He’s in his office.”  Sal said pointing.

“Thanks!”  Sally bounded over to the office and went inside.

Sal laughed to himself and jumped into the pool.  Coach Bob was not the brightest man.  But he meant well.

Sal looked over at the confused faces of Sally and Coach Bob.  He smiled and gave them a quick wave, then swam a perfect Freestyle to the deep end.