Picture this

I spent part of my afternoon the following way:

Wearing flip-flops and shorts, breathing in warm air laced with humidity, I walked along the water's edge as waves splashed just inches from my toes.

Nice image, isn't it?

Reality: I was walking next to the YMCA's swimming pool with the child, inhaling chlorine fumes. Screams pierced my tropical fantasy, as kids who have cooped up for a week splashed and played in the water.

But for five seconds, I was living my tropical dream.