Every Saturday, Max has a swimming lesson at the city pool. Max can swim well, but he is afraid of one thing: the diving board.
“Today is jump day,” said Coach Rosa. “Everyone can try.”
The other kids jumped one by one. Splash! Splash! They laughed and swam to the side.
Max climbed the ladder slowly. He walked to the end of the board and looked down. The water was so far away. His legs did not want to move.
“Take your time, Max,” said Coach Rosa. “Breathe. I am right here.”
Max closed his eyes. He counted: one, two, three. He thought about ice cream after the lesson. Then he jumped.
SPLASH! The water was cold, and then it was fun. Max came up and shouted, “Again! I want to do it again!”
Coach Rosa laughed. “You see? The scary part is only the first step.”