Casper shot from the cabin heading for the lake, its surface a mirror under the midday sun. He hesitated long enough to discard his flip-flops and towel, then jumped in, enjoying the refreshing coolness against his sweaty skin. By the time he bobbed back up, Darla and Kit had arrived. He floated onto his back as they peeled off their shoes and debated the temperature of the water.

“It’s perfect,” he said. Okay, fine. The water was chilly, but wasn’t that the point of swimming?

His sister, Kit, gave him that I don’t believe you look. They tiptoed in, prolonging the inevitable, gasping and complaining the whole time. He shook his head and snickered, creeping their way. Once he got close enough, he sank below the surface and reached for their feet. A nose full of water burned his throat, but it was worth it as they screamed and ran in circles, splashing each other. Casper laughed but didn’t stick around. He wasn’t that stupid. 

Later, skin pruned to perfection, he made his way to shore and stretched out on his towel, ignoring the girls chatting beside him. With this heat, he’d be dry in a matter of minutes. He closed his eyes against the brightness. Wait, had something touched his foot? He held his breath; Grandma June had warned them about seeing a snake down here. When it moved again, he screamed. It was the peals of laughter that made him head for the house without a backward glance.

Word: mirror | Action: hesitating