The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

Samantha’s jaw drops. She says we need to hurry as she gracefully swims around the pier. I try to do the same, but there’s nothing graceful about my breaststroke. When we reach the shore, we crawl out of the water and duck behind the pier. Samantha looks terrified. That’s when I realized what a risk she took for me. What will happen if Grandmary finds her out here, swimming in her underwear? I peek my head above the pier for an instant, and see the shadowy figure of a woman sitting on shore. But it’s not Grandmary. It’s Cornelia.

Cornelia calls out again, sounding worried. I whisper to ask Samantha what we should do. She thinks for a moment, and then steels herself and stands up. She doesn’t meet Cornelia’s eyes, but instead looks down at her own legs and bare feet, ashamed.

We both stand, waiting for the scolding. But instead, Cornelia says that a moonlight swim is delightful. Samantha looks up, surprised. Is Cornelia going to tell Grandmary? Cornelia pauses and says that her grandmother would be concerned about safety. It’s always wise to have an adult swim with you. Samantha hesitates. Is Cornelia going to tell Grandmary what we’re wearing? Cornelia glances at our “swimsuits,” and a hint of a smile passes her lips. She says they’re not the most proper bathing dresses. But they are quite practical. Cornelia says she’s never understood why women have to wear long sleeves and stockings in the water. They’re just more layers to dry off when you’re done.

Samantha’s shoulders relax. And then, Cornelia asks if she can join us. Cornelia unlaces her boots and pulls off her stockings, one by one. Samantha giggles and casts me an I-can’t-believe-this-is-happening glance. Then, Cornelia lifts her skirts and wades into the water, Samantha rushes in beside her. I hang back on shore for a moment, watching them laughing and splashing together in the cold water. They look so free and happy.

Samantha took a risk to make sure I felt safe and could have fun in the water. But watching her now, I wonder if maybe I helped her a little bit, too. I brace myself for the cool water, and race into the lake after my friend.