"Race you to the sprinkler!"

We jump off, sprinting to the cool water. I turn my back on it, enjoying the victory. As I turn back around, the blistering hot sun beating on my skin, I'm surprised by a blast of cold water in my face. The shock is temporary, as the water moves down to my legs, soothing my hot skin. The sun is almost unbearable today. This summer has been the warmest yet. We run around for a while longer before laying on our wet towels under the hot sun. I close my eyes and soak in the sun; only a few weeks of summer left.

All of a sudden, I feel a cold, gentle sprinkle of water on my face. I open my eyes to see my little sister standing above me laughing. I need revenge! I grab the blue bucket at the edge of the yard and race to the hose, the grass tickling my feet as I run. She gets closer as it fills. She steps forward to grab the blue bucket, my nerves on fire. I take the blue bucket and bolt. I spill quite a bit on myself as I lug the heavy blue bucket behind me. I eventually give up, my limbs slumping with relief when I set it down by the swings.

"Come swing with me!"

She races over and jumps on a swing. As she pumps her legs, getting higher and higher, I take the handle of the blue bucket and swing it around, dumping the icy water all over her. We're both laughing now, enjoying our childhood while it lasts. I wish I were still that young and naive. What happened?