The Lilac Tunnel: My Journey with Samantha

Samantha’s jaw drops, and she says we need to hurry, swimming gracefully around the pier while my breaststroke stays anything but. We crawl out of the water and duck behind the pier, dripping and shivering. Samantha looks terrified, and I finally realize what a risk she took for me. What happens if Grandmary catches her swimming in her underwear? I peek over the edge of the pier and spot a shadowy figure standing on the shore. It’s not Grandmary, but Cornelia.

Cornelia calls out again, sounding worried, and I whisper to Samantha, asking what we should do. She steels herself and stands, unable to meet Cornelia’s eyes, staring instead at her own bare legs and feet, her cheeks burning with shame.

We wait for a scolding, but instead Cornelia says a moonlight swim sounds delightful. Samantha looks up, surprised, wondering if she’ll tell Grandmary. Cornelia only adds that Grandmary would worry about safety, and it’s wise to swim with an adult. When Samantha hesitates over what we’re wearing, Cornelia glances at our makeshift swimsuits with a hint of a smile, calling them impractical but sensible. She’s never understood why women swim in long sleeves and stockings, just more layers to dry afterward.

Samantha’s shoulders relax, and Cornelia asks to join us, slowly unlacing her boots and peeling off her stockings one by one. Samantha giggles at me, then Cornelia lifts her skirts and wades in, Samantha rushing in beside her. I hang back a moment, watching them laugh and splash in the cold water, looking so free and happy.

Samantha took a real risk so I could feel safe and have fun. Watching her now, I wonder if maybe I helped her a little, too. I take a deep breath, brace for the cold, and race in after my friend.