Fire Hydrant in East Van

Here is the scene: hot Sunday evening, the sun on its slow journey down towards the blue mountains, we two on our bicycles, on our way home for dinner, our skin burnt from our afternoon on the beach, our bodies still glistening from our swim in the ocean.

I

The first thing we noticed was the water streaming down the road, under our tires. Then we saw the people. Dozens of them dancing and frolicking around a busted fire hydrant. You told me we couldn't miss this, so we leaned Beatrice and Rupert up against a fence, tore off our clothes and ran towards the spray. It was cold and it hurt but we dove through it like children.

I

There was music and beer and wet bodies and laughter and a carefree crowd enjoying the moment with a spontaneous exuberance that took my breath away.

I

You wanted to stay forever but I had an appointment to keep so we left slowly, with backward glances. You were grinning from ear to ear as you said, "Now I can cross that off my list."