Anya

The sun was warming the sky, promising a perfect day for a stroll. Two longtime friends had arranged to meet in the old park that stretched along the river. The plan was to leisurely stroll along the paths, discuss the latest news, and perhaps grab an ice cream on a bench by the pond.
"Oh, Anya, look how clear the water is!" the girl exclaimed as they approached the bank, where the river was particularly shallow and clear. The bottom was strewn with smooth pebbles, and the sun's rays pierced the water right through.
"And probably cool," Anya said dreamily, taking off her sandals. "Remember how we used to splash around here all the time when we were kids? Mom used to yell at us for getting all our clothes wet."
Anya's words seemed to lift an invisible barrier. A second later, one of the girls had already rolled up her shorts. Another second later, both friends, laughing, carefully stepped into the cool water. At first, they simply waded ankle-deep, feeling the pleasant coolness envelop their legs, relieving the summer fatigue.
But childhood memories proved stronger. Not five minutes had passed when Anya scooped up some water and splashed it loudly on her friend. Her friend squealed in surprise and immediately began to "get even." Water sprayed everywhere, and laughter echoed throughout the area, dispelling the peaceful silence of the park.
They jumped, splashed barefoot in the water, trying to drench each other from head to toe, as if they were ten years old again. Forgetting plans, ice cream, and leisurely conversations, they surrendered to the moment, savoring every moment of this spontaneous joy. Their hair was tossed about, their shirts were soaked, but their eyes shone with genuine childish freedom.
That day, the walk in the park didn't happen. But instead, Anya and her friend experienced something far more precious: a return to their carefree childhood, albeit only for a few minutes, under the warm summer sun and the cool spray of the river.