Vernon and the repressed will

One afternoon, during a New Year's holiday at a large house in Goldenville, Pennsylvania, young Vernon watched people swimming and having fun in the pool. He was at the home of his friend, the singer Kayla, where she lives with her son Anthony.

At one point, one of the friends said he was "going to pull Vernon, clothes and all, into the pool." Vernon thought to himself:

"Wow, it would be good if he actually did that..."

Vernon actually wanted to go into the pool fully clothed, as he liked to swim that way. But he lacked the courage; he was afraid of being called "crazy."

Kayla, unaware of the young man's preference, said:

"Why don't you go in?"

"I didn't bring a swimsuit," he replied.

Vernon stayed there, wanting to jump into the pool or go under a shower, clothes and shoes on, but he restrained himself. He was afraid of being the butt of jokes.

Later, Vernon returned home. The next day, he told his friend Avery about it, who said:

"You shouldn't be afraid of what others think, young man. Take a shower with your clothes on and be happy. Let others say what they want!"

"That's true... I need to overcome this. I need to overcome this fear of being myself."

"That's right. It was a private pool, maybe it was complicated, even. But don't be afraid to be who you are because of what others might say!"