Tommy Stanbury was my closest friend. He lived only a few doors away. Although a little hard of hearing, he seemed to cope well enough. He was always so friendly and agreeable, so easy to get along with, that just being in his company was a pleasure. There was never an ill word spoken by him, and sportingly he went along with most things. He contributed to the enjoyment of others. In fact, he had that rare quality of being a true friend. We finished our chores and called for him as prearranged. He was quick to the door, and away we all tramped, checking over our supplies as we hurried along. By the time we'd called on a few others en route, it was ten-thirty or so when we'd left the town. We stormed over the Railway Bridge, up Prince's Avenue, through Nant-y-Calch farm, to reach the first group of trees, and on till we reached the fir grove.
The tranquillity I felt
among nature's growths, especially after the summer rain, was so delightful, as
if a new world had just begun. The nearer we got to our secret place, the more
our excitement grew, until our voices had increased in volume to shouts. Our
sandwiches had all been eaten long before we had even reached the fir grove, and
we were well down on water "Where is it?" someone asked. "Through here," whispered another. In such shaded surroundings, it was so unspeakably quiet that it felt a little eerie at first; but how pleasant to feel the soft carpet of pine needles beneath our feet, and the sense of total seclusion. Then we reached the clearing. We mustn't leave it too late before starting back, I thought, as very little daylight penetrated the fir grove. Then my heart jumped at the sight before us, for there it was in all its glory as we had hoped, filled with water again, and almost hidden by huge new growths all around it, and the water shining so clear. We stood around it for a few moments, assessing where the best access was, then suddenly, splash! Tommy couldn't wait. Then another swimmer dived in, and the rest of us a little more cautiously. It was now around midday, the sun was warm and soothing on our bodies, and the spring water so cool. A lot of laughter rose up when one of us left the water, as no one had bathing trunks. Here we were, uninterrupted by the demands of the grown-ups, free to give way to shouts of excited laughter; until a few hours later when a very cold breeze reminded us it was time to go home.
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