It began in Rio, as many good things do. I was visiting for a conference with attendees hailing from around the world. The evening was sauntering in, easing the city’s harsh heat while gradually ramping the humidity. I’d seen her here and there the previous couple days — dancing to a samba beat, chatting with folks at the beach over a caipirinha — but this was the first moment she’d really caught my eye. She was swimming in the pool, holding onto the edge and apart from the other swimmers. She’d periodically kick her feet, occasionally look over her shoulder to chat with the others. I’d been striking up conversation with all range of attendees…but not yet her. So I decided to keep her company.
Dangling my feet in the water, we quickly became friends. I learned her name was ‘Maria’. I learned she didn’t know how to swim. Hence her commitment to the pool ledge.