Heat

Without central air, my family’s home is cooled by our one air conditioner and a small collection of window fans. But in my room, the fan's cord will not reach from the only outlet to my window. Logically, one would use a small extension cord, but mother forbade it, fearing sparking, fire, and ruin. So I did without. But one night in the height of summer, I awoke and, without thinking, slowly poured my glass of water over my face, allowing it to flow down my shoulders, onto my pillow. Repeating this throughout the night, I was cool at last.