While sunning ourselves by the pool, my eight-year-old daughter snuggled against me. The blue water sparkled in front of us. Her hair tickled my chin, but I said nothing, immersed in this moment with my darling girl. She’s growing up, though, and for the first time wore a tankini instead of a one-piece bathing suit.
“Do you like bathing suits that show your belly or one-piece bathing suits?” she asked. “I like being able to see my tummy. Don’t you like seeing your tummy?” She pulled her bathing suit top up a bit to reveal her belly button.
I did not reciprocate. My tankini comes to my knees for a reason.