Episode 11: 'When I put the pool out on the balcony, summer began.'
One morning.
Looking up at the sky, the scorching summer sun peeked through the gaps in the clouds. The end of the rainy season was near. Real summer would be here soon.
Chibisuke had just woken up and was still in his pajamas. He wore car-patterned pajamas and yellow Pikachu-patterned pants. His hair, already curly from sleep, was even curlier.
"Alright, shall we put the pool out today?"
Dad said. His wife was out on errands, so it was just Dad and Chibisuke today. Since it was a day off, they decided to spend it having fun at home—and so, it was time for our family's summer staple: the balcony home pool.
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We've done the home pool many times before.
As summer approaches, we spread out the plastic pool on the balcony, fill it with water, and let Chibisuke play. We don't have to go far to enjoy water play at home. Chibisuke loves this home pool.
Dad spread the pool out on the balcony and filled it with water using a hose. Seeing the water level rise, Chibisuke couldn't wait. He jumped up and down, urging, "Hurry, hurry."
Even while the water was filling, Chibisuke kept touching the edge of the pool and peeking inside, unable to sit still. When Dad brought out the colorful toy cups and balls, he got even more excited. Even though the pool wasn't full yet, his excitement was at its peak. For a two-year-old, water seems to be the ultimate entertainment.
And then—that's when the incident happened.
Chibisuke jumped into the pool without changing his clothes.
"Hey, wait, you're still in your pajamas!"
Before Dad could stop him, Chibisuke dove into the pool in his pajamas. Dad had intended to have him change into a swimsuit, but Chibisuke couldn't wait for that. His pajamas and pants were soaked in an instant.
——Well, whatever.
Dad gave up. He was going to get wet anyway, and changing clothes could be dealt with later. There was no point in forcing him to stop when he was so eager to play. Pajamas soaked? Fine. It's summer, they'll dry, and there's no need to worry about the little things.
In times like these, Dad is surprisingly easygoing. He wants to respect Chibisuke's "I want to do this" as much as possible. Even if it's a bit messy or dirty, the sight of a child completely absorbed in something is precious in itself.
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Chibisuke was having a blast in his pajamas.
Dad also got into the pool in a T-shirt and shorts. The adult and child squeezed into the small balcony pool. Well, that was fun too.
They floated colorful cups and balls, scooped water, and splashed each other. When Dad scooped water with a red cup and poured it over Chibisuke's head, Chibisuke bathed in the water with a huge smile.
"One more time!"
He clapped his hands to urge him on. Again and again. Dad would pour water as many times as Chibisuke wanted if it made him happy. Chibisuke's laughter echoed on the balcony.
Even when water got on his face, Chibisuke didn't mind. In fact, he loved it. Perhaps as an extension of his love for helping, he would scoop water with a cup and splash it back at Dad. The two of them laughed and giggled while getting soaked.
When the balls were floated in the pool, Chibisuke chased after them, splashing away. He would catch them and toss them. Water droplets sparkled as they danced. Stacking cups, transferring water—the ways to play were endless. Being able to get so absorbed in simple water play might be a two-year-old's privilege.
Pool time with just Dad. A special father-son time on a day when Mom wasn't there. Usually, it's the three of us, but spending time just the two of us like this is nice too. I can focus entirely on Chibisuke. I feel a bit sorry for my wife, but these "days of high father-son density" are a little happy for Dad. It feels like I can have Chibisuke's growth all to myself.
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After playing for a while, they took a short break.
Chibisuke started playing by himself, lining up cups on the poolside. Red, blue, yellow, green. He filled the colorful cups with water, spilled it, and filled them again. With a serious face, silently.
Dad took a picture of his profile with his smartphone. Our family is obsessed with recording everything. Chibisuke entering the pool in his pajamas and playing while soaked. This is the best expression of the summer. If I send it to my wife later, she'll probably tease me, "Wait, you let him in with his pajamas on?" but that's part of the memory too. I'll send it to A-chama and the grandparents in Oita, too. Seeing their grandson having so much fun will surely make everyone smile.
Summer light sparkled on the water's surface. Beyond the balcony were green trees. The air of early summer, with the end of the rainy season near.
Chibisuke was playing with the water, forgetting the time. Scooping and pouring water with cups, floating and sinking balls. A two-year-old's concentration is fully unleashed when it comes to things they like. He plays to his heart's content until he's satisfied.
"Having fun, Chibisuke?"
When Dad called out, Chibisuke looked up and smiled. He didn't have many words yet, but that smile was the best answer.
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Before long, Chibisuke's lips started to turn a little blue.
It was finally time to get out.
"Okay, that's it. Let's go take a warm bath."
He managed to pull Chibisuke out of the pool, who looked reluctant. He took off the soaked pajamas and wrapped him in a towel. His small body had cooled down completely from the water play.
After warming up in the bath, he finally changed into proper clothes. Having played to his heart's content in the pool, Chibisuke looked satisfied with a warm, glowing face.
On the balcony, there was still the pool filled with water and scattered cups and balls. The happy traces of summer play.
The sky outside the window already had the colors of summer. Once the rainy season ends, real summer will begin. The pool, water play, shaved ice. Many things Chibisuke loves are waiting for him.
Come to think of it, in the month or so since he turned two, Chibisuke has experienced many "firsts." His birthday, an ambulance, shaved ice, a family trip, reuniting with his cousin. He has lived the rainy season to the fullest. And now, the season is about to shift into summer.
When I put the pool out on the balcony, summer began.
The first summer spent with two-year-old Chibisuke. I felt like I had truly stood at its entrance.
Chibisuke, who went to welcome summer with all his might while still in his pajamas. That image felt very much like him.
— To be continued in the final episode —