Jack grew up hearing the legendary tale of his family’s extraordinary tradition.
For generations, his father, grandfather, and even his great-grandfather had all walked on water on their 18th birthday. According to the story, each one had strode across the lake to the pub on the far side for their very first legal drink.
As Jack’s own 18th birthday approached, he could barely contain his excitement. Finally, it was his turn to carry on the family legacy. With his best friend Liam in tow, Jack rowed a boat out to the middle of the lake. Brimming with anticipation, he took a deep breath, stepped out of the boat—and immediately plunged straight into the freezing water.
Panicked and flailing, Jack struggled to stay afloat. Thankfully, Liam managed to pull him back into the boat, leaving him soaked, humiliated, and thoroughly confused.
Dripping wet and fuming, Jack stormed over to his grandmother’s house. “Gran!” he exclaimed, “It’s my 18th birthday! Why couldn’t I walk across the lake like Dad, Grandad, and Great-Grandad?”
His grandmother, barely containing a laugh, looked at Jack with twinkling eyes. “Ah, Jack, me boy,” she said with a knowing smile, “that’s because your father, your grandfather, and your great-grandfather were all born in December when the lake was frozen solid. You, my dear, were born in August. Now who’s the daft one, eh?”
