"Hi," I said as I cut through the water toward Daine, swimming with smooth, strong strokes until I was at the edge beside her. I rested my forearms on the edge of the pool, folded over each other, and grinned up at Daine.

So far I had barely gotten out of the pool. I just loved swimming so much and I didn't get as much opportunity to do it as much as I had on the Island. Next summer I would go to the beach as often as I could, I decided. I would make the most of my last summer at the Home and do as many fun things as I was able.

"Are you having a good time?" I asked.