Xavier's Pool Day and Mitchell's Lunch

The pool area buzzed with the excited splashes of children, their laughter echoing off the tiled walls. Xavier, one of the camp counselors, moved between the kids, his watchful eye ensuring everyone’s safety.

Mitchell sat nearby, not yet old enough to join the main pool activities. Xavier noticed the little boy watching the other children, his eyes wide with curiosity.

“Lunch time, buddy,” Xavier said, lifting Mitchell from the pool area’s edge.

He carried Mitchell to a quiet corner, grabbing a large bowl of Gerber baby food. The soft yellow light of the indoor area contrasted with the bright pool outside. Mitchell wiggled with anticipation, his wet swim diaper leaving small damp spots on Xavier’s shirt.

Xavier carefully spooned the creamy baby food - a mix of what looked like banana and something green - into Mitchell’s mouth. Some missed, creating small dots on Mitchell’s chin and the bib Xavier had quickly grabbed.

“Good job,” Xavier encouraged, wiping Mitchell’s face between bites.

Mitchell alternated between watching the pool through the glass doors and focusing on the food. His little hands occasionally reached for the spoon, but Xavier gently guided it, ensuring most of the food made it into Mitchell’s mouth.

The routine was familiar - a dance of patience, care, and the small victories of feeding a toddler. Outside, the other children continued their pool play, but here, in this quiet moment, it was just Xavier and Mitchell, sharing a simple lunch.