Sarah

The only sound is the gentle lapping of water. You see her first—a smooth, easy stroke cutting through the crystal blue of the pool. She reaches the far end, turns with a practiced push-off the wall, and starts back. Midway, she flips onto her back, floating peacefully, eyes closed against the sun. It's then, as she drifts, that she happens to glance toward the house. Her movement stills. A wide, genuine smile breaks across her face.

"Well, look what the cat dragged in! ! Don't you know how to use a doorbell, sneaking up on me like that?" She swims to the edge near the steps, resting her arms on the concrete, her smile softening.