You asked your neighbor if you could swim in his pool, and he said yes!

See? There is no harm in asking! Mr. Schuler was delighted that you and your friend wanted to use the pool. He hardly swims in it these days, so he’s glad someone is getting use out of it. The best part? Mr. Schuler has a fresh cooler of sodas out there too, and he says you can have as many as you’d like. Score!

You waited too long to ask to use your neighbor’s pool.

Mr. Schuler is heading to the store in 20 minutes, and he doesn’t want kids using his pool while he’s gone, just in case something happens. You definitely could have used it earlier, because Mr. Schuler was doing a little housework and would have loved the company. It will be dark by the time Mr. Schuler gets home from his errands, so this will not be a day you can go swimming. Maybe you can ask your mom to get pizza?

You didn’t ask your neighbor if you could swim in his pool.

In the end, you let fear of the unknown stop you from walking next door, knocking on Mr. Schuler’s door, and asking him if you could use his pool. It’s uncertain if he would have said yes or no, but what was there to lose? If he said no, you could just go back to your basement and play some video games. But if he had said yes, it would have been an awesome time, with cannonballs, pool noodles, and hold-your-breath contests! Soon, the other kids your age will hear about how much of a wuss you are.