The public pool at the Phos Public Exercise Centre was very rarely busy. Most Rethans didn’t like swimming, and a lot of them massively struggled in deeper waters. But Relkir had been insistent that Gath do some swimming exercises, because it was a simple, gentle exercise that wouldn’t stress Gath out too much.
At least, in theory.
Gath was currently sitting on the edge of the long pool, where the main idea was to swim lengths up and down. But they didn’t really want to get in. Relkir was trying to persuade Gath that the water was safe, that it wasn’t too deep and that Gath would be perfectly fine, but Gath wasn’t really listening. They were starting at the water, unwilling to get in. What made matters worse though was that Gath knew their uneasiness was illogical.
“Gath, my dear, the water is not that deep.”
“I know. But I am heavy. I sink.”
“You do not sink. You will float. The jacket will keep you aloft. The air in your lungs helps. Yes, while the height of a Rethan does correlate with how uneasy they feel about water, it is something that we can improve on. But you do need low impact exercise, something that is not stressful and easy to do. The water makes things more gentle for you.”
Gath frowned some more. At least the water was warm. Relkir was struggling to convince Gath as well, mostly because Relkir wasn’t really strong or tall enough to help Gath get comfortable lying in the water.
“Alright, if you do not want to do lengths, we can do exercises in the shallow pool or something?”
“That seems silly. I can do exercises without being in the water.”
Relkir grunted. “Well, we have to do something. You need gentle exercise and walking on its own is not enough!”
“I know, I know…” Gath sighed. “This is just… it bothers me.”
“Do you want me to swim alongside you or something?”
“I do not know. I just feel awkward.”
Relkir sighed. Gath sighed too. However, there was a third, brief sigh, followed by an exclamation.
“Hello! I am sorry I am late!” Litvir exclaimed, seemingly popping out of thin air, wearing nothing but a water resistant stomach wrap and loin cloth.
“Oh, hello, little one…” Gath muttered. “How are you? Do you not have work right now?”
Litvir shrugged. “I am alright! I finished my patrol and now I have free time! So I decided to come here and be with you two! And also do some swimming. I like swimming! It is weird but fun and also like space!”
Without any prompting, Litvir jumped into the water, in the lane next to Gath. Gath eyed Litvir somewhat, then grunted to themselves.
“Can you swim?”
“I can, yes! Because I am a baby and was made in a jar, I know how to swim very well! Still remember from being a real baby.” Litvir beamed. “Can you swim?”
“Somewhat…”
Litvir shrugged. “Do you need help learning?”
“No. I can swim. I am just… a little anxious.”
“How comes?”
Gath paused. “Um… I… I do not know.”
“Oh.” Litvir glanced at Relkir, not really sure what to say. “Do you, uh, need help learning?”
“I know how to swim.”
“So why are you scared?”
“I… I do not know.”
Litvir shrugged again, then went under the lane separater. “Do you want some help getting balanced? Dada Relkir and I can help you lay back and swim on your back. And we can swim next to you!”
Gath was about to speak, but, again, they paused. Mostly because they suddenly felt stupid.
“Oh. I can swim on my back. I forgot about that.”
Litvir grinned. “Yes! It is easier on your back! We can all swim together!”
“We… we can?”
“I guess so?” Litvir shrugged yet again. “We can just hold hands between the lanes or something! Mama Gath, you have long arms and can reach both me and dada Relkir!”
“I thought that I need to use my arms to move though.”
“Not really! Dada Relkir and I will use our free arms, and we will all kick our feet and swish our tails together!”
Gath frowned, but that frown turned into a small smile. “That sounds like a good idea.”
“Alright!” Relkir joined in on the smiling.
Gath finally got into the pool properly, and, together, Litvir and Relkir helped Gath lay down on their back. Gath was surprised that they didn’t sink too much, and felt much more comfortable as Relkir held their hand and laid on their back next to them. Litvir did the same thing, holding Gath’s other hand.
“So, on the count of three, we all start kicking our legs!” Litvir exclaimed. “Ready?”
“Yes, we are ready.”
Litvir giggled a little. “Alright! One! Two! Three! SWIM!”
Gath immediately started kicking as hard as possible. To their surprise, they actually started moving rather quickly. Before long, Gath found themselves more dragging Relkir and Litvir… up until they crashed head first into the other side of the pool.
“Oh no! Mama Gath, are you alright?” Litvir exclaimed as they helped Gath to their feet.
Gath however laughed. “I am fine! That was very funny. And not as scary as I imagined it would be.”
“Do you want to try again, but on your own this time, without us holding your hands?” Relkir asked. “We can swim by your side too, and you can use your arms for extra propulsion.”
Gath thought for a moment, then shrugged. “Sure. Swimming is easier on my back, I find.”
“It is, you do not need to worry about keeping your head up.”
“It is…”
Gath turned themselves around then lowered themselves down, without any help from Relkir and Litvir. After taking a moment to find some balance, Gath closed their eyes, counted to three, then kicked as hard as they could, while also using their hands to pull themselves through the water.
Again, Gath did somewhat bumped their head on the other end of the pool, but they also heard giggling. Relkir was clearly amused at how Gath had swam through the water and banged their head again. Once Litvir was sure Gath was fine, they started snickering too.
“Huh. I did it…” Gath blinked as they stood up straight. “I swam without issue.”
“See, I told you!” Relkir smirked. “You see how this is good exercise for you now?”
Gath nodded and lowered their head. “I bow to your knowledge, my dear Relkir.”
Relkir patted Gath on the shoulder. “Hehe. Shall we do more swimming?”
“Yes, please. Maybe I can swim faster this time.”
“We should have a race!” Litvir bounced excitedly, but suddenly stopped. “Actually, maybe not. I can… move very quickly.”
Gath smiled, properly this time. “It is fine, little one. We should just swim together. To help with my confidence. Come on, you two, swim with me.”
“Yay!” Litvir beamed. “I like this swimming stuff.”
“Indeed. It is not as bad as I expected. It is nice,, actually. I guess I was just… worried for no reason…”