skills. It was bought to my attention that many of the residents only have extremely basic water skills, and no life-saving education.”
“Right.” She appears to be mulling it over in her mind. “Have you thought about how we would go about implementing the swimming program?”
“Actually, I have,” I hesitate. “I hold all the legal qualifications to teach the residents standard life-saving skills in accordance with the governments regulations. I’m happy to facilitate the program,” I offer.
“Wow! I had no idea.” She beams.
“It was just something I undertook in high school,” I admit shyly. “I’ve got my ideas all drawn up here if you’d like to check them over?”
“Sure. Leave them with me and I’ll look over them. I’ll stop by your hut this afternoon.”
“Sounds great. Thanks Maria. Have a good day.” I stand to leave, feeling really hopeful and proud of myself.
By the time I reach the communal hall, breakfast is in full swing.
“Morning,” I say, smiling as I greet the residents.
I receive a bunch of good mornings in response as I walk past and move toward the buffet. I take a plate and spoon on some scrambled eggs and rashers of bacon. After buttering my toast, I place it on my plate and fill a glass with orange juice. Finding a vacant seat with the other sponsors, I sit down and enjoy my meal before the day begins.
“Mind if I sit?” The voice comes from beside me. Looking up, I see Kye. I smile warmly at him and nod my head.
“Thanks. Morning, everyone,” he says, adjusting himself in the seat.
“Morning, Kye,” is echoed around the table and we all continue on with eating and the random chatter that always seems to take place at the breakfast table. It’s the kind of chatter that breaks the silence but isn’t memorable or worth noting. Still, it is definitely better than sitting together in complete quiet.
When I finish my food, I put my cutlery down and drain the rest of my orange juice. “That was delicious.”
“The pancakes were beautiful this morning. So fluffy and light,” one of the other sponsors agrees.
“Thanks for your company this morning, guys. I’ll see you out there.” I stand and leave, making my way back to my hut to quickly change into a pair of runners before the day’s activities commence.
“Kennedy, wait up,” I hear called from behind me. I immediately stop and turn, spotting Kye as he jogs toward me.
“What’s up, Kye?”
“I wanted to ask if you’d given any thought to the swimming lesson idea we were talking about yesterday?” he asks as we walk side by side back to my hut.
“I did, actually. Last night I put a proposal together and I’ve submitted it to Maria for further review. It looks to be a go ahead though.” I smile broadly.
“Awesome. That’s fantastic news!”
“Thank you for the idea.”
“No problem. Listen, I have to get going but, uh,” he pauses to run his hand over his head and down his neck, seemingly a small part nervous. My brow furrows, but I wait patiently for him to continue. “If you need an extra hand with the swimming lessons, I’ll be available to help out,” he offers.
“Thank you so much, Kye! I really appreciate the offer. I’ll definitely let you know.”
“Cheers. See you around, Kennedy.”
“Bye, Kye.” He jogs off in the opposite direction and I watch him for a few seconds before I walk into my hut. After tying my shoes, I head back over to the communal hall just in time to meet the residents as they are all exiting.
“Listen up, everyone!” Mitch, one of the sponsors, shouts loud enough to gain everyone’s attention. “Today we’re all going to be working over at the re-build area. There’s a lot of work to do, and not much time to do it in. So we need all the help we can get over there.”
“You heard Mitch. It’s all hands on deck today,” I tell the younger
Leta Blake, Alice Griffiths