Summary

In "Waters," Daniel remembers all the time he used to spend with Aubrey growing up. They "lived for water," body surfing, swimming, and fishing in the river in their "no name-town in North Florida" (1). Sometimes Daniel pretended they "were characters in some fantasy book" (2). Now he wonders if the magic he felt came from Aubrey, a white girl, looking at him, "a Black boy" (2). They spent most of their time on the Intracoastal, "the biggest river" running through Palm Coast (2). One night, Aubrey took Daniel out on the river to go gigging. On the water, they searched for and speared flounder. They talked about school, their plans, and Daniel's track endeavors. It was the first time Daniel had heard Aubrey's voice so clearly. They sat for a long time and "spilled [their] secrets" (9).

In "Histories," seven years later, Daniel lies in bed...