False Evidence Appearing Real

THE DAY was hot, a day that could be enjoyed only in the water. I decided it was the day I would dive off the diving board, but not without first practicing off the side of the pool. And so I practiced. And practiced and practiced. I dived the way I used to drink, one right after the other. But when I stepped onto the diving board, a wave of fear would come crashing down on me and off I'd jump, feet first.