The Diving Board Dilemma
by Aaron Aaronsen
The warm air of the indoor swimming pool wrapped around Monti J. Monti as he stepped inside with Leo and a group of classmates. The sound of splashing water and cheerful laughter echoed off the high ceilings. Monti adjusted his red-and-white swim cap, already feeling excited about the day ahead.
“Let’s go to the big pool!” Leo said, leading the way.
Monti followed eagerly, but as they passed the shallow pool and rounded the corner, his eyes locked on something that made him stop in his tracks: the diving board.
It stood tall above the deep end of the pool, and one by one, kids climbed the ladder and jumped into the water with whoops and cheers. Some performed daring cannonballs, while others simply stepped off, creating smaller splashes.
“Are you going to try it?” Leo asked, nudging Monti.
Monti forced a grin. “Uh, maybe later,” he said, his stomach twisting at the thought.
The group spent the next hour swimming and playing games, but Monti couldn’t stop glancing at the diving board. Every time he looked, it seemed to grow taller.
“Come on, Monti!” Leo called out from the deep end. “Let’s try it!”
Monti hesitated, then swam to the edge. He climbed out of the pool and walked toward the ladder, his heart pounding. He gripped the cold metal rungs but froze as he looked up. The board felt impossibly far away, and the thought of jumping made his legs feel like jelly.
Pretending he had forgotten something, Monti stepped back. “Maybe later,” he muttered, his face red.
As Monti sat on the edge of the pool, watching other kids take turns jumping, frustration bubbled inside him. Why was it so easy for everyone else?
Leo climbed out of the pool and sat next to him. “What’s wrong, Monti?” he asked.
Monti shrugged. “Nothing. I just don’t feel like jumping.”
Leo raised an eyebrow. “You sure? I used to feel the same way.”
Monti looked at him. “Really?”
Leo nodded. “I was scared the first time too. But I learned to take it step by step. I told myself I didn’t have to be perfect. I just had to try. Want me to go first and wait for you in the water?”
Monti hesitated but finally nodded. “Okay… but just once.”
Leo climbed the ladder and leapt into the pool with a big splash. He surfaced and waved. “Your turn, Monti! I’ll be right here!”
Monti took a deep breath and grabbed the ladder. He climbed slowly, his hands gripping the rungs tightly. When he reached the top, the board wobbled slightly under his feet, and the pool below looked far away.
“You’ve got this!” Leo called from the water.
Monti closed his eyes, took another deep breath, and stepped forward. Before he could think too much, he bent his knees and jumped.
For a brief moment, Monti felt weightless. Then the cool water rushed around him, and he surfaced with a gasp.
“Monti, you did it!” Leo cheered, swimming over to high-five him.
Monti laughed, the tension in his chest melting away. “I did! It wasn’t as bad as I thought.”
Before they left the pool that day, Monti climbed the ladder again. This time, he jumped with more confidence, creating a big splash that made his friends laugh and cheer.
On the way home, Monti felt a warm glow of pride. “Thanks for helping me, Leo,” he said. “I don’t think I would’ve done it without you.”
Leo grinned. “That’s what friends are for. And now you know—it’s okay to be scared. But when you face your fears, you get to do amazing things.”
Monti smiled. Leo was right. Courage didn’t mean not being afraid—it meant trying, even when you were. And as Monti thought about the diving board, he couldn’t wait to jump again next time.
Welcome to the Zaubertales Advent Calendar 2024. This Christmas season, we are sharing the magical world of Monti J. Monti, our curious and courageous little hero. Each day in December brings a new short story filled with heartwarming adventures, meaningful lessons, and a touch of festive magic.
Our series is more than a collection of stories. It is an opportunity and invitation to join us in shaping Monti’s journey. As the stories unfold, we encourage you to share your thoughts and ideas. What challenges should Monti face next? What should Monti’s world look like? What inspires you about his character? Together, we will create a hero who reflects the creativity and kindness of the Zaubertales community.
Zaubertales is dedicated to crafting stories that bring joy and learning to children and families. Through Monti’s adventures, we inspire laughter, spark meaningful conversations, and nurture imagination. Whether you read these stories during quiet evenings or share them as a family, they are designed to add wonder and delight to this special time of year.
We are thrilled to bring you this interactive storytelling experience. Let’s make this December a memorable celebration of joy, discovery, and the true spirit of Christmas.
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