I assumed she meant the children splashing wildly around her.

—

After cake, the heat became unbearable.

Even Clara finally took off her cover-up.

Her swimsuit was a plain one-piece. She descended the pool steps cautiously, gripping the handrail.

Ariel was racing past with two friends when she stopped so abruptly that the children behind her collided with her.

She stared at Clara and pointed.

Every adult close enough to hear turned toward them.

For a moment, no one understood.

Then laughter rolled across the patio.

My father, awake by then, nearly dropped his lemonade.

Glen lifted both hands from the grill.

“I can confirm I am not.”

I laughed too.

Clara glanced at her stomach, then gave me a look suggesting that children said strange things and everyone should move on.

Embarrassment warmed my face as I hurried toward Ariel.

“Sweetheart, we don’t point at people’s bodies.”

She remained completely certain.