My life changed forever when my neighbor’s youngster asked a simple inquiry. My calm day in the sun became a day that changed everything about my marriage. What I learned about my spouse shattered me, and I knew nothing would ever be the same.
It started like any Saturday. Time passes slowly and quietly. In the backyard, kneeling in the garden with my hands buried in earth, I tried to control the weeds in my flower beds. The sun felt warm on my back and the wind was light. It was a peaceful, expected, and secure time.
Dylan, my neighbor Lisa’s kid, came up our driveway. He was nine or ten, polite and quiet, but his eyes had a strange light when he wasn’t bashful. Today, he glanced away. He had his hands deep in his pockets, shoulders stooped, and eyes fixated on the ground like he was terrified.
He whispered, “Hey, Ms. Taylor,” halting a few steps away.
I faced up, pushing loose hair off my face. “Hi Dylan! Everything okay?
He usually smiled or asked about my flowers. Not today.
His feet moved awkwardly. “Yes, sort of. Sorry for interrupting, but might I use your pool for a while?
Simple, innocuous request, yet it surprised me.
Dylan and his mom never requested to use our pool in all my years of living there. Dylan had never swum in it, although other neighborhood kids did at summer cookouts or birthday parties. Sitting alone on the porch or pedaling his bike in circles along the street, he was always silent.
Blinking, I looked toward the pool. It sparkled in the sun and rippled in the air. The weather was warm—probably mid-80s. A great day to swim.
“Of course,” I stood up and brushed dirt off my pants. “Great day for it. Jump in. Want lemonade first?
He briefly met mine, but I saw a touch of relief in his eyes. “Really? Thanks. That’d be nice.”
I grinned and motioned to the porch. Go back. Grab you a towel and fetch lemonade.”
As I entered the home, a thought crossed my mind. Dylan felt odd about his request. Because of how he asked, not because it was improper. He seemed nervous, couldn’t look me in the eye, and stood stiffly like he didn’t know whether to flee or remain.
I ignored the sensation. Maybe Lisa was late from work again and Dylan wanted to escape the heat. Maybe he was lonely. Maybe he needs some compassion, I thought.
I didn’t realize it, but “Can I swim in your pool?” was the first domino. The final one falling would alter everything.