Then the fireworks crash above us, pouring color down: red, green, blue, white, gold; plumes, sparklers, flowers, stars; light exploding, expanding, each display morebreathtaking than the one before and after the most spectacular splash of all, silence.

Over sundaes the next day, I say, “How was it? Tell me everything!” Aneta, Alicja, and Paulina dip into the ice cream and admit, “Bugs. There were a lot of bugs.” “It was freezing in those short dresses thanks to the dew.” But they agree the festival was great overall and (with the exception of the bug-hater), everyone plans to participate again next year.

I say, “As the guard boat followed you to shore, I noticed that almost all the kayaks were being paddled by girls! How did you take command from those boys who were supposed to be escorting you?” Alicja laughs, “We paddle those boats all over the lake all the time.”  Aneta shrugs, “I just said, give me that paddle or I’ll give you a punch.”