Beneath the Surface

By: Daniel Snyder

The deep end doesn’t care if you’re ready and no one knows what happens beneath the surface.

Ricky sauntered down the stairs in his Los Angeles home and rubbed his emerald eyes as sunlight pierced the Earth with the rays of a new day. Too early for any eighteen-year-old. The scent of coffee led him toward his mother’s kitchen and soon he was there in his Aquaman pajamas and coral blue tank top.

“Buenos Dias, Mama,” Ricky said as he kissed her on the cheek. “Aren’t you and dad going to the Hot Air Balloon Festival today?”

“Si. So, I need you to keep an eye on your brother and make sure that he gets to school. He missed three days last week, and if he misses one more, he’ll get suspended.”

“But Mama—”

“Don’t but mama me, Ricardo. You know he’s your responsibility when we’re not here.”

“Okay.” Ricky surrendered and poured himself a cup of coffee.

“Gracias. Now, I have got to get going and meet your father before the festival. Wake Manny up soon. It’s almost time for school.” She said as she grabbed her keys and prepared to leave. “And don’t let him go near the lake. He’s only had one swimming lesson, and you know how badly he wants to swim there.”