It is all about paths you know

Paths to the beach

Paths to the pool

Paths through the meadows

Paths to school

Peter and Petra were walking towards the municipal pool

On days such as this all things stop

Petra watched as a busy insect scurried past them

Except insects

Insects are always busy

Peter picked up the insect and placed it safely in the long grass

Paths to the river

Paths through the woods

Paths in the city

The insect looked up at Peter

That will be a difficult rhyme Peter

I agree I will leave it half done

Where is your sister?

She is in the pool

Good

May I speak to you?

Of course

I have written a short story

What is its title?

A Lifeguard

Would you read it to me?

I have not finished it

Stories should not be finished

Let the reader decide the ending

In the pool in the middle of the city

Petra swam from end to end using the same technique

Her symmetry amazed her fellow swimmers

Peter watched his sister as the insect arranged its story

Are you ready to listen to my work?

Yes

Please read it to me

The Lifeguard

The Fed-Ex truck had paused directly in front of the beach-huts

Jane was sitting in a red deck-chair

Near the beach-huts

She was reading a book

It title was Moby Dick

Reno was on the beach speaking to three tiny Japanese girls who had been swimming in the dangerous waters directly beneath the lighthouse

The truck driver was training to be a lifeguard

His name was Peter

Petra walked toward Peter

She had not dried herself

It seemed that a mist was gathering around her

The other swimmers were still applauding her loudly

Who are you talking to Peter?

An insect

Insects cannot talk

Possibly but I am not an expert on their conversation patterns

Peter turned to speak to the insect but it had vanished

I think I frightened it away

No it just wants to be still as it is such a hot day