Splash! I hear the sound of getting to the bottom. I take a step, then another. I work my way up to the top as quickly as my nervous legs will let me.

“Pink?” Asks the lifeguard at the top. I nod. I step on the scale, and when the lifeguard nods, I walk over to the pink slide. The pod slowly opens and I step inside.

“Cross your arms and legs,” Instructs the lifeguard. As I do, the pod closes. I look over at my dad.

“One.” I hear the lady in the tube start counting, I breath in.

“Two.” I close my eyes.

“Three” I breathe out.

The floor drops out from underneath me. I can barely feel the water on  my back as my shoulders burn. I open my eyes as I turn. It feels as though the inside of this tormentor is closing around me. I close my eyes again.

I open my eyes just as water soaks my head and stings my eyes. I realize I’m at the end of this terrifying, intimidating, incredible journey. I stand up and step out of the bottom of the slide then blink. I look over at my dad and yell:

“That was amazing!”