(𝐝𝐚𝐝!𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐨) “come on, baby. you can do it. you just have to try and jump.” damiano insists from the water.

you were attached to the pool’s stairs, reluctant to ever let go, your colorful floaties around your arms, even had your googles on. but. you. were. not. touching. the. water. “i don’t wanna no more, daddy!” you say, moving your foot nervously.

damiano never thought teaching a 3 year old, his 3 year old, how to swim would be so complicated. his big ego told him he could, that’s why he rejected the swim lessons his mom offered to pay for you.