Dawn Water Pool

In my childhood home in China, there was an abandoned swimming pool in my neighborhood. I don't know if it's because of budget constraints, but renovations have stopped and it's never been opened; the pool is always empty. But it was a sacred place for me and my childhood friends. We would often sneak into the empty pool in the afternoon, climbing over the fence, and pick a few flowers of unknown species near the overgrown area. After moving to America, I often dreamed of that place. It was a very gentle dream: the pool was full, golden fallen leaves floated on the surface, and my characters—who are also my friends—were there, their dresses hemmed, keeping me company at sunset.