Jasmine sat at the edge of the pool; her toes curled tightly over the warm tiles. The blue water shimmered under the afternoon sun, looking calm and inviting to everyone but her. For Jasmine, the pool was a sea of fear. She wanted to learn how to swim more than anything, but every time she tried, her heart thudded, her legs froze, and she backed away.
“Come on, Jasmine!” her cousin Mia called from the water, splashing playfully. It’s fun!
Jasmine forced a smile and waved, but she didn’t move. When Mia turned away, Jasmine whispered to herself, maybe next time. She hugged her towel close and sighed.
Just then, she heard a soft giggle near her feet. Jasmine blinked. Hello? she asked, looking around. No one was there.
Down here!
Jasmine gasped and stared at the pool. Three tiny, colourful fish were bobbing at the surface, looking up at her with friendly eyes. One was bright orange, another golden yellow, and the third a shimmery blue.
We’ve been watching you, said the orange fish with a cheeky grin. “Why don’t you come swim with us?”
Jasmine rubbed her eyes. Fish don’t talk; she muttered. The blue fish twirled in a perfect circle. Maybe they don’t, usually, it said, giggling.
Jasmine’s mouth dropped open. Am I imagining this?
Maybe, said the golden fish with a wise smile, “or maybe you just need to believe.”
Before Jasmine could respond, the three fish splashed her playfully. Come on! We’ll teach you to swim. Her heart pounded, but their cheerful voices gave her courage. She dipped her toes into the water. It was cool but gentle. Good job! the orange fish cheered. “Now slide in. We’ve got you.”
Taking a deep breath, Jasmine slowly slipped into the pool. The water wrapped around her like a soft hug. Panic bubbled inside her chest, but the golden fish swam close, its calm voice soothing her.
“Just breathe, Jasmine. The water is your friend.”
She clung to the pool’s edge as the blue fish demonstrated floating on its back. “Like this!” it said, wiggling happily. Jasmine copied it, her face half submerged. For the first time, she felt weightless.
That’s it! the fish chorused. Soon, Jasmine kicked her legs and paddled her arms. She didn’t even notice Mia watching in surprise.
Jasmine! You’re swimming! Mia shouted.
Startled, Jasmine looked around. The fish were gone. Only the ripples remained.
Mia! Jasmine said breathlessly, did you see them? The fish” She stopped. Mia just laughed and splashed her. Jasmine blinked. Had she imagined it all? She wasn’t sure.
As she floated on her back, a whisper tickled her ear.
“Well done, Jasmine,” said a familiar, tiny voice.
Jasmine smiled. Maybe the fish weren’t real—or maybe they were. Either way, she knew she would never be afraid of the water again.
By Christina K Sangma
