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“If you drank the whole swimming pool, yes, you would probably die. But don’t drink even a little, okay?”
Teddy climbs onto the raft and paddles to the edge of the water, so we’re both lying parallel—Teddy on the raft and me on the deck.
“Mallory?”
“Yeah?”
“What happens when people die?”
I look over. He’s staring down into the water.
“How do you mean?”
“I mean, what happens to the person inside the body?”
Now obviously I have strong opinions on this subject. I believe in God’s gift of eternal life. I draw a lot of strength from knowing that my little sister, Beth, is surrounded by angels. And I know that someday, if I’m lucky, we’ll be reunited in heaven. But I don’t share any of this with Teddy. I still remember my job interview and rule number ten: no religion or superstition. Teach science.
“I think you should ask your parents.”
“Why can’t you tell me?”
“I’m not sure I know the answer.”
“Is it possible some people die but stay alive?”
“Like ghosts?”
“No, not scary.” He’s struggling to express himself—the way we all struggle, I guess, when discussing these things. “Does any part of the person stay alive?”
“That is a big, complicated question, Teddy. I really think you should ask your parents.”
He’s frustrated by my nonanswer, but he seems resigned to the fact that I’m not going to help him. “Well then can we play Land of Oz again?”
“We just finished!”
“Only the melting scene,” he says. “Just the ending.”
“Fine. But I’m not getting back in water.”
I stand up and wrap my towel around my shoulders, holding it like a witch’s cloak. I curl my fingers into claws and cackle maniacally. “I’ll get you, my pretty, and your little dog, too!” Teddy splashes me with water and I scream loud enough to scare the birds from the trees. “Oh, you cursed rat! Oh, look what you’ve done!” With incredible dramatic flair I sink to the patio, waving my arms and writhing in agony. “I’m melting! I’m melting! Oh, what a world, what a world!” Teddy laughs and applauds as I collapse onto my back, close my eyes, and stick out my tongue. I give my legs a few final twitches and then I’m still.
“Uh, miss?”
I open my eyes.
There’s a young man not five feet away, standing on the far side of the pool fence. He’s wiry but well built, dressed in grass-stained khakis, a Rutgers T-shirt, and work gloves. “I’m with Lawn King? The landscapers?”
“Hola, Adrian!” Teddy exclaims.
Adrian winks at him. “Hola, Teddy. ¿Cómo estás?”
I try to pull my towel over my body, only I’m already lying on top of it, so I end up thrashing and flailing like a beetle flipped onto its back.
“I’m gonna bring the big mower around, if that’s okay. I just wanted to give you a heads-up. It’s pretty loud.”
“Sure,” I tell him. “We can go inside.”
“No, we have to watch!” Teddy says.